Art Dealers Association of America Andirons

Lovely original surface to these pair of classical Victorian solid brass andirons, with bold vertical turned and bulbous design to the post; connected below to horizontal iron log su...

These firedogs (as they were referred to), while not really serving any utility, would have been used as decoration to enhance the visual aesthetics of the hearth, by being placed one to each side of the fireplace opening. I have attached 20 images to this listing. The last image shows how they would have been used in a fireplace setting. These highly ornate pair of gilt bronze firedogs are quite important and were, more than likely, the design of Thomas Hope (1769-1831), who created elaborate and innovative decorations whose features were influenced by his extensive travel through the Near East, Turkey, Egypt, Greece, and Europe, over a ten year period. He was the foremost interior designer during the Regency period and developed luxurious surroundings for his two lavish London residences during the early 19th century. They were decorated with items of his own design, along with those he had accumulated and collected during his travels. He introduced to the British aristocracy the term "interior design". In terms of collecting, and the acquisition of fine art...