Fireplace accessory - Wood, Leather - heraldry shield

An especially distinctive and decorative English fireplace screen (fire screen) made in richly patinated leather, beautifully adorned with copper studs and centrally featuring the heraldic arms of Charterhouse School. This type of screen was traditionally placed before a fireplace to temper the heat and catch sparks, while also serving as a representative decorative object in English interiors.

The screen displays the heraldic shield of Charterhouse School, one of the best-known English public schools. The crest refers to the founding of the school by Thomas Sutton (1532–1611), an English merchant and philanthropist who bequeathed his fortune for the establishment of an educational institution and a charitable house.

The shield contains the characteristic rings and crescents, elements connected to Sutton’s family arms. Above the shield sits a greyhound as helm badge, a classical symbol in English heraldry that often represents loyalty, speed, and nobility. Around the shield are the Latin mottos still used by Charterhouse.

The background of the screen is executed in stamped and patinated leather, which over the years has developed a warm, deep color. The decorative row of copper nails and the geometric patterns in the leather give the piece a pronounced Arts & Crafts / Edwardian look, typical of British interior decoration from the late 19th century or the early 20th century.

The screen rests on an elegant wooden stand with curved feet, allowing it to be placed stably in front of a hearth. With its pronounced heraldry and rich patina, the object today is not only a functional historical hearth accessory but also a striking decorative piece for a classical interior, library, or study.

For collectors of British heraldry, historic school memorabilia, or English interior pieces, this forms a particularly distinctive object with a clear historical reference to one of England’s oldest educational institutions.

Condition
Good antique condition with visible patina and signs of use consistent with age and handling. The leather shows a handsome aging pattern and the paint on the crest shows light wear, contributing to the authentic character. See photos for a full view of the condition.

Features
Type: fireplace screen / fire screen
Origin: England
Material: leather and wood with metal studs
Decoration: heraldry of Charterhouse School
Motif: Sutton family coat of arms with greyhound
Period: probably late 19th century to early 20th century
Standing model on a wooden base
Rich patinated leather with stamped decoration
Historically British interior object

Dimensions
Height 82 cm
Width 46 cm
Depth 22 cm

Note: due to its size it will be shipped only to EU countries and not worldwide, thus not to Switzerland or the United Kingdom. Also not to the islands of Spain, Portugal, etc.

The whole item is well packed and shipped with tracking. Shipping costs also cover packing materials and transport. Pickup is possible only when the lot is auctioned for more than €50 and, of course, by appointment during office hours.

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