Fireplace Mantels & Surrounds · Georgian & Colonial Revival
Fireplace Wall Paneling from the John Hewlett House, Long Island (1740–60)
A full fireplace wall of paneling from the John Hewlett House on Long Island, built between 1740 and 1760, with raised panels, a bolection-moulded fireplace surround and built-in cupboards.
Design characteristics
This paneled wall, about 17 feet wide and 9 feet high, shows how colonial builders treated the most important wall in a room: the fireplace is framed with a heavy bolection moulding, raised panels fill the chimney breast above it, and cupboards with paneled doors fill the recesses on either side. It is a complete, practical design that works well in a modern family room or study, where the flanking cupboards can hold media equipment or books.
Classification
- Category
- Fireplace Mantels & Surrounds
- Material
- Painted pine
- Motifs
- Raised panel, Bolection, Fireplace wall
- Date
- 1740–60
- Maker or designer
- John Hewlett
- Dimensions
- Panel: 9 ft. 3/4 in. x 17 ft. 3 in.
- Evidence
- Documented historical object
Architectural context
Symmetry, classical proportions and refined raised-panel woodwork. Britain and colonial America · original c. 1714–1830; revival c. 1876–1955.
