The Victorian British loved their tools; in any well-appointed home, there was a specific object at-hand to execute any conceivable function. Spoon warmers. Spill holders. Celery vases. Asparagus tongs. And a beautiful Georgian or Victorian fireplace was often punctuated with a pair of handsome "fire dogs."
Fire dogs are a pair of small "struts," usually made of a cast or wrought metal: bronze, brass, or iron. They can be found in any of the various styles which were popular during the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries: Neoclassical, Baroque, Rococo, Gothic Revival, Aesthetic Movement, Arts and Crafts. They were not meant to hold-up the burning log (which is the job of the andirons) but, rather, the fire tools for the fireplace. Above and beyond pure function, fire dogs provided a dash of tasteful punctuation—handsome decoration—upon one's hearth (under the pretense of utility).
Fire dogs were not as common in American fireplaces of the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries. In America, fire tools were more likely to hang on a stand (or, in fancy settings, would be carried in-and-out by the servants).
I love fire dogs. There is something about their compact, solid usefulness—the meeting of style, beauty and function—which tickles my fancy. So I continued to collect them, despite my American customers not seeming to need them. Then The Big Idea came to me! I could use the fire dogs as supports to hold-up skinny, custom-cut glass shelves. This was the perfect solution in my small, tightly-packed shop where merchandise competed for attention. This narrow "shelflet" lifted-into-view small items at the back of a bigger shelf (and provided extra space below it, as well). I used these fire dog shelves to create height and space for merchandise display on furniture, in showcases, and on other shelves. In my home, I use them to create better presentations of art pottery (where creating varied heights is the key to effective display). In the library, such skinny shelves are useful for boosting a row of books. In the kitchen, they can be used to arrange anything from spice bottles to drinking glasses. And, on a buffet spread, such fire dog shelves can be used to present baked goods or elevate a row of candles.
It's important to measure the flat space (along the top of the fire dog) before ordering the glass. Be certain that the width of the shelf will sit comfortably atop the fire dog. The length of the glass should suit your needs (and available space). I like using 1/2" or 5/8" thick glass. The thicker the glass, the more impressive (and luxurious) the look. Ask the glazier to "polish" the edges, which, on thick glass, usually means chamfering the sharp edges and sanding-it-down to smoothness.
The pair of heavy Arts & Crafts fire dogs, shown above, were made in Victorian England sometime during the 1870's through the 1890's. Beautifully curved brackets are supported by a sprig of scrolling ivy. And the "corollate" feet are reminiscent of a stylized lion's paw. Click on one of the photos above to learn more about these handsome (and useful!) pieces.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
To arrange a visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only), please call 917-446-4248.