As already mentioned, antique continental fireplaces are among the most sought after designs. It was Inigo Jones who first brought the French classical style of fireplace to England in the form of ornate, decorative chimneypieces.
He disliked the continental love of elaborate decoration, commenting that form and function should be the over-riding factors in the design process. However, he felt that interiors were superbly apt for continental flourishes and curlicues.
After Jones’ death in 1652, French styling became much more common and fireplaces of the day began to sport Louis XV scrolling and curves, along with delicate carved flowers. The material of choice was particularly heavily veined marble – the darker, the better.
Mirrored overmantels, introduced to England by Sir Christopher Wren, remained popular because they fitted so well with the fluidity of the French design fireplaces. These ornately decorated pieces are in the Rococo style.
The Provençal style fireplace is free from ornamentation and less sinuous than the Rococo version – nevertheless, this style of fireplace is very elegant. Made from limestone and generous of dimension, these lovely fireplaces often sport just one small but beautifully formed carving at the centre of a low, broad mantel.
