fireback by danapommet
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
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)
Interesting image and info! Excellent shot! :)
Wow, such beautiful colors here, very interesting object, cool shot!
Very beauty shot my friend!!!Bravissimo!V:DDD.Hugsxx Whylma
Awesome shot and narrative!!
Very cool image and fascinating information
Great shot and information, Dana!
This is interesting very cool piece.
really great shot of this and thanks for info about too !!
Super shot and info Dana, I have a pic somewhere of a blackened fireback, I will have to dig it out!!
Very nice!!
belle oeuvre!!
Stunning! What a work of art to use in this way!
That is to nice to go in the fire-place! :) Excellent capture!
thanks for sharing dana, lookssuper.
Too nice to be used, I would put it in the garden as an ornament :o) xx
Interesting image and info! Excellent shot, Dana!
This is a fantastic image Dana, outstanding capture, very well done!
wonderful capture and interesting info
wonder if they use them in today fire places? this is cool
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.
EXCELLENT IMAGE!
Superlative clarity, monocolor, lighting and detail in this stellar shot of the fabulous design, Dana! And the accompanying narrative was most informative.
very beautiful and excellent art
Wow i love this Dana very interesting read !!
Nothing like a fine capture and good reading to begin my day in the galleries ...(smiles)...
Fascinating information and really great picture. I've never heard of a fireback nor have I ever seen one before so thanks.
Another wonderful and interesting photoshot Dana.
IMPRESSIVE! MASSIF AND ARTISTIC!
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!
Beautiful piece and carving.