Fireback 1745 - 1758

This 18th-century "Fireback" is a cast iron plaque depicting the Royal Arms of Great Britain, a heraldic symbol used by the British monarchy. Made by the Oxford Furnace, the "Fireback" features a crowned shield with a lion and a unicorn as supporters. The detailed relief sculpture adds depth and dimension, creating a visually striking piece. The "Fireback" would have been placed at the back of a fireplace to reflect heat back into the room and served as a decorative element in homes. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York houses this piece of decorative art.