A Mid 19th Century Gothic Revival Chimneypiece, ex Coolmore House, Co. Kilkenny

A rare Portland stone chimneypiece in neo-Gothic style. The height of this piece comes from its substantial plain upper frieze which sits below an elegant under moulded shallow shelf. The main features of the chimneypiece are the line of recessed carved and parcel painted red/green armorial lettering with a pair of eagle's talons in the centre, of which colours have been beautifully preserved through time. Beneath this a gentle angular arched opening is carved with shield and acanthus leaf spandrels. A pair of octangular carved columns front the jambs and rest on simple foot-blocks. This chimneypiece, highly unusual because of the painted elements is a perfect example of the Gothic revival movement that had a strong impact on 19th British architecture and interiors.