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Home & Garden Articles
Edwardian Fireplaces - Choosing the Perfect Antique Fireplace
Wed 17 Jan 2007 - 08:32
Edwardian Fireplaces - Choosing the Perfect Antique Fireplace
By Richard Billington
During the Edwardian period fireplaces were most commonly made form cast iron. Often fireplaces incorporated a cast iron frame with tiles on each side, and a wooden mantelpiece which was often painted. Prior to the Edwardian era the 'canopy on legs' had been introduced, and this became a popular style. Instead of framing tiles with cast iron, the 'canopy on legs' style used tiles which had been inserted into panels. These were then placed at angles to the canopy itself, to form the fireplace surround.
Many fireplaces of the era were designed in the Art Nouveau style, and are patterned with stylized forms that are both simple and elegant. However, Art Nouveau was never as popular in England as it was in Europe, and there were several other styles of the Edwardian era that were just as popular.
If Art Nouveau is not to your taste, you might prefer a more rustic-looking Edwardian fireplace. One of the prevailing fashions of the era was for glazed brick or tile fireplaces. Bricks and tiles were glazed both to protect them from the heat, and to allow them to reflect light. One simple and attractive Edwardian fireplace style showcases a glazed brick or tile fireplace with a large surround of medium to dark wood. Popular choices for wood surrounds include mahogany, oak, and walnut.
Another attractive style common during the Edwardian era is known as the Arts and Crafts style, which emphasizes bringing the forms and materials of nature into the home-local materials are used when possible, and natural forms are the dominant theme of this style. There is little use of abstract designs-these are limited to borders and backgrounds rather than being part of the main design. Tile, brick, and cast iron were all used to some degree in Arts and Crafts-style fireplaces, and handcrafted copper inserts were a popular choice in larger homes.
Tiled panels became increasingly popular during the Edwardian era, as did the fashion for increasingly larger mantels. The largest of these incorporated mirrors, shelves and drawers. The use of cast iron in fireplaces decreased in popularity quite significantly towards the end of the Edwardian era, partly due to the influence of World War One. When the war began, factories which had previously produced cast iron fireplaces were recruited to produce war-related goods. The demand for cast iron fireplaces did not recover after the war was over, as other styles had become more popular.
Edwardian fireplaces are simply stunning, and even within the genre there are variations to suit all tastes. Whether you prefer an unadorned fireplace or one which is ornately decorated, you'll find that a fireplace that works with your décor will really enhance the ambience in your home.
Richard Billington is a Antiques Expert for Westland London, a London based company specialising in Edwardian fireplaces. Westland London offer a wide range of antiques from various periods of history.
http://www.westlandlondon.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Billington
http://EzineArticles.com/?Edwardian-Fireplaces---Choosing-the-Perfect-Antique-Fireplace&id=420763
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