Cast-Iron and Brass Pillar Grate (Philip Webb)

This wide imposing cast-iron pillar grate of the Queen Square type was designed by Philip Webb (1831-1915), the founder of the Arts and Crafts Architectural Movement in the 1860's. Original drawings of this grate are archived at the V & A Collections. The grate has a curved front and pillar-style legs. The finish is in black iron with polished brass ball finials, collar feet and dolly detail. Curved shoulders sit above hob-fronts decorated with ornate flower detail. The rear wrought-iron legs end with tight scrolls under the fire basket. fire grate of this type still exists at Kelmscott House (William Morris's last residence) in Chiswick and a smaller grate in the Drawing Room at Nether Hall in Suffolk. Another pillar grate also existed at No 1 Palace Green, London