What are Victorian hearth ornaments?

These items are decorative and functional pieces placed near the fireplace during the nineteenth century. They include ceramic animal figurines and solid metal accessories. Pottery dogs and heavy brass horses dominate the category, reflecting period domestic tastes.

How were Staffordshire poodles used?

Staffordshire poodles sat upon the mantelpiece or directly on the hearth beside the fireplace. They served purely as decorative ornaments for the nineteenth-century parlour. Pairs were standard, often facing inwards towards the centre of the mantel or grate.

What is a chimney horse?

A chimney horse is a heavy metal figure, usually cast in solid brass, shaped like a horse. Despite the name, they served as doorstops or door porters within the home. Their substantial weight kept heavy interior doors from swinging shut in draughty rooms.

How do I identify lead glaze?

Lead glaze appears as a glossy, slightly reflective coating over earthenware pottery bodies. It gives the ceramic surface a smooth sheen that protects the underlying enamel colours. This technique was standard for nineteenth-century Staffordshire figures.

Home > Victorian Hearth Ornaments > Page 4

Victorian Hearth Ornaments

54 items · page 4 of 4

← Page 4 of 4 →

Victorian hearth ornaments bring the domestic life of the nineteenth century straight into the room, offering heavy brass and glazed earthenware designed to stand near the fire.