Marble Mantels

In the 15th century Michelangelo discovered that statuary marble from the Tuscan hills had the ideal properties to suit detailed hand carving. He consequently used it in many of his famous works such as Pieta and David. During the Georgian and Regency period this trend was maintained by designers such as Robert Adam. Using the same material, often with contrasting inlays he created the stunning fireplaces that enhance many of Britain's stately homes. A tragic landslide in the early 1900's closed the main statuary quarry. As a mark of respect it has never been reopened.

Now only a few blocks are produced each year from neighbouring quarries. We hand select this material in Italy and marry it with convent sienna that has been reclaimed from old blocks. This gives the chimney pieces the same characteristics as the originals that were made in the 18th and 19th century. This extensive selection process is enhanced by the finest hand carving undertaken by a leading master mason. These chimney pieces will surely be the antiques of tomorrow.