The limestone chimney piece in the entrance hall of the Hugh Lane Gallery, formerly Charlemont House, Dublin. This building, begun in 1763 to the design of Sir William Chambers, features the work of a number of master craftsmen including the London-born sculptor and stonecutter Simon Vierpyl. It is believed he was responsible for this chimney piece with its vigorous carving of a rams skull, and scrolls and swags in the upper section and a variety of tools and instruments running down the sides.
A reminder that I shall be speaking of Hugh Lane in the gallery tomorrow evening from 6.45. Admission is free.
There’s no fireplace like your own fireplace. Except maybe for this one. Stunning.
This fireplace looks like the facade of a house or perhaps the framing of a continental palace door rather than something in a room .Quite a statement.
Thank you, yes indeed I think it was intended to be a statement piece since this was in the entrance hall and therefore the first thing seen by visitors…
Any idea where the limestone was from ?
Thanks for making contact. I am not sure whence came the limestone; in the 18th/19th century much of it was sourced at the Ardbraccan quarry in County Meath (this was certainly used on many of the public buildings in central Dublin) so perhaps the same limestone was used in this instance?