Lion and Urn Frieze Limestone Mantel

The frieze carries the most narrative carving we have: two facing lions set either side of a footed urn, closed at each end by carved scrolls, all held in a sunken panel. Above it the shelf is a heavy moulded slab with worn corners, and the jambs step out on plain corbelled brackets. The limestone is pale and deeply weathered, pitted and chalky, with the lions worn soft rather than sharp. A herringbone firebox and a broad stone hearth complete it. It suits great rooms, estate homes, libraries and architectural restoration work.