ABSTRACT
Mantelpieces were an important part of the furnishing of a later nineteenth-century interior. The gradual stages of progress that have marked the improvement in the designs of our modern mantelpieces have all been, in a great measure, the result of adapting forms and mouldings of an architectural character; the finest and most imposing examples of this class of work are invariably designed on classic lines. But a few years ago the choice of the buyer was limited to marble or wood, with a predilection in favor of the latter material, perhaps, in the best examples, combined with the stone, brick or tiles. But now a new material – or rather an old material put to new uses – is suing for popular favor, and the beautiful and artistic ornamental unglazed brick mantel is deserving of more than the popular notice.
