History Fireplace mantel

tudor overmantel @ madingley hall, cambridgeshire

up twelfth century, fires made in middle of home hypocaust, or braziers, or fires on hearth smoke vented out through lantern in roof. time went on, placement of fireplaces moved wall, incorporating chimneys vent smoke. permitted design of elaborate, rich, architectural focal point grand room.

at later date, in consequence of greater width of fireplace, flat or segmental arches thrown across , constructed archivolt, joggled, thrust of arch being resisted bars of iron @ back.

in domestic work of fourteenth century, chimneypiece increased in order allow of members of family sitting on either side of fire on hearth, , in these cases great beams of timber employed carry hood; in such cases fireplace recessed become externally important architectural feature, @ haddon hall. largest chimneypiece existing in great hall of palais des comtes @ poitiers, 30 feet (9.1 m) wide, having 2 intermediate supports carry hood; stone flues carried between tracery of immense window above.

the history of carved mantels fundamental element in history of western art. every element of european sculpture can seen on great mantels. many of historically noted sculptors of past i.e. augustus st. gaudens designed , carved magnificent mantels, of can found on display in worlds great museums. facade of building distinguished design, proportion, , detail fine mantels. attention carved detail defines great mantel.

today

modern wooden fireplace mantel in suburban american home.

up until 20th century , invention of mechanized contained heating systems, rooms heated open or central fire. modern fireplace serves element enhance grandeur of interior space rather heat source. today, fireplaces of varying quality, materials , style available worldwide. fireplace mantels of today incorporate architecture of 2 or more periods or cultures.