An extremely refined Adam period chimneypiece carved in white Statuary marble.

An extremely refined Adam period chimneypiece carved in white Statuary marble. An elegant pie-crust shelf rests on the frieze, adorned with alternating floral paterae and finger flutes. Finely carved scrolls with delicate foliage decorate the side console jambs, rendering this chimneypiece light and harmonious. The Adam’s volume of drawings conserved at the Sir John Soane's Museum contains a large number of his designs for various illustrious houses in London, two of many examples are illustrated here. Adam’s designs were at the highest of popularity in London during the second quarter of the 18th century, and this design in particular with highly sought after.