Stock No: 13625

A late Regency antique fireplace carved out of Welsh Heather Blue slate, with bold acanthus scrolled endblocks above panelled reeded jambs. The central tablet on the frieze represents the Prince of Wales Feathers and is his Heraldic Badge, consisting of three ostrich feathers emerging from a coronet above a ribbon bearing the motto " ICH DIEN " which translates as " I SERVE ". As well as being used in royal heraldry, the badge is sometimes used to symbolise Wales and particularly the Welsh Rugby Union.
Welsh circa 1820. Photo before restoration.

Notes: Welsh Heather Blue Slate is mined in The Penrhyn Quarry located in Bethesda, the largest of the Welsh slate Quarries. It is unlike any other slate in the world. In Victorian times it was most commonly used for roofing tiles but has also often frequently featured in designs for prominent London projects as at St Pancras & Kings Cross Stations, Buckingham Palace and at Number 10 Downing Street the official residence of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Link to: Antique English Regency chimneypieces inc. George IV fireplace mantels.