fireback by danapommet
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Description
A fireback is a piece of heavy, cast iron, sized in proportion to the fireplace and the fire that is placed against the back wall of a brick hearth or fireplace. Firebacks protect the bricks and radiate stored heat into the room. This wooden mold board is a replica of the original pattern used to cast the 1636 Richard Lenard iron firebacks used in England. The design celebrates the English iron master and the tools of his family trade
The thick iron metal is heated by the fire, and then that heat was radiated into the room. A fireback thus may increase the efficiency of the fire by as much as 50%. The thicker the fireback, the longer and softer this radiated effect. While wood fires have low efficiency, for those that prefer the atmosphere of an open wood fire, the fireback helps to minimize this problem. Another important function of the fireback is the protection of the brick back of the fireplace against heat and flames.
Old firebacks are often beautiful pieces of decorative art and have sometimes been displayed away from the fire. The oldest firebacks date from the fifteenth century, the early days of casting iron. Early firebacks were decorated with simple designs derived from everyday objects, such as rope, moulds used in the making of certain types of foods and furniture fragments. Designs formed from specially carved wooden patterns or models gradually became more popular and many show the arms of royalty, the church and aristocracy. Religious themes were common particularly in Germany. Later firebacks bore mythological and allegorical subjects, as well as scenes from nature.
The increasing use of coal as a domestic heating fuel caused a decline in the need for firebacks and their gradual replacement by integral grates. Info from the Saugus Iron Works and Wikipedia. Zoom does not help much.
Thanks for stopping by my gallery, taking a look and for all your previous favs and comments. They are very much appreciated.
Dana
Comments (36)
emmecielle
Interesting image and info! Excellent shot! :)
kagemusha77
Wow, such beautiful colors here, very interesting object, cool shot!
Mondwin
Very beauty shot my friend!!!Bravissimo!V:DDD.Hugsxx Whylma
bobrgallegos
Awesome shot and narrative!!
Faemike55
Very cool image and fascinating information
MrsRatbag
Great shot and information, Dana!
dakotabluemoon
This is interesting very cool piece.
Feliciti
really great shot of this and thanks for info about too !!
jayfar
Super shot and info Dana, I have a pic somewhere of a blackened fireback, I will have to dig it out!!
West_coaster07
Very nice!!
jmb007
belle oeuvre!!
durleybeachbum
Stunning! What a work of art to use in this way!
kbrog
That is to nice to go in the fire-place! :) Excellent capture!
eekdog
thanks for sharing dana, lookssuper.
jendellas
Too nice to be used, I would put it in the garden as an ornament :o) xx
mariogiannecchini
Interesting image and info! Excellent shot, Dana!
mgtcs
This is a fantastic image Dana, outstanding capture, very well done!
flavia49
wonderful capture and interesting info
jocko500
wonder if they use them in today fire places? this is cool
myrrhluz
Very interesting information. I wonder how many Richard Lenard iron firebacks were made and how many still exist. Beautiful image, with great detail and light.
sandra46
EXCELLENT IMAGE!
goodoleboy
Superlative clarity, monocolor, lighting and detail in this stellar shot of the fabulous design, Dana! And the accompanying narrative was most informative.
Richardphotos
very beautiful and excellent art
Bossie_Boots
Wow i love this Dana very interesting read !!
KnightWolverine
Nothing like a fine capture and good reading to begin my day in the galleries ...(smiles)...
psyoshida
Fascinating information and really great picture. I've never heard of a fireback nor have I ever seen one before so thanks.
adrie
Another wonderful and interesting photoshot Dana.
MagikUnicorn
IMPRESSIVE! MASSIF AND ARTISTIC!
Lashia
Beautiful shot, now I see why its inspired other posts! I love the detail and the history with this upload, a beautiful addition to your gallery- thanks for sharing! :) And have you checked out the Photography Story Challenge? Go continue the story!
drifterlee
Beautiful piece and carving.