About this piece
back to topA set of English 19th century brass fire dogs in the style of Ernest Gimson. These pierced filigree finials have a deep neck, and shining brass finish. This impressive pair allude to luxury and elegance, which would make a beautiful new addition to a period or contemporary home alike.
You may be able to spot the small pineapple amongst the design – by the 1550’s, pineapples were being shipped regularly from the Caribbean to Europe. They became a rare luxury and were an ultimate symbol of wealth.
Ernest Gimson (1864-1919)
Ernest Gimson had a passion for metalwork, from medieval door hinges to elaborate 17th-century fire dogs. Metalwork makes up a large proportion of pages in his sketchbooks.
Gimson also designed complex pierced and chased work, based on 17th-century designs he admired.
This pair are after the original 17th century pair at Haddon Hall, in Bakewell. A virtually identical pair resides at the Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum.