A Monumental Mid-18th Century Carved Pine Chimneypiece in the manner of William Kent

An early Georgian carved pine chimneypiece of impressive proportions. An inner eared frame is bordered with deep, thick, re-entrant cut egg and dart moulding, and is bookended by plain jambs with bold acanthus leaf S scrolls and sprays at their bases. The frieze is centred with a mask-head depicting Flora, goddess of flowers, spring, and fertility. The mask is underpinned by fringed drapery and is flanked by garlands of ribbon tied with flowers and fruit as celebration of abundance and plenty. Carved corbels decorated with three calyx pods of acanthus and flowerheads support a moulded rectangular shelf with an inverted breakfront cornice of fine egg and dart moulding running along the base. The whole piece stands on simple rectangular footblocks.