Come Meet My New Parisian Fireplace Mantel!

Hi Guys,

Well, I had two vaccines yesterday, flu and pneumonia, that my doctor wants me to have. My insurance will only pay for the flu vaccine guaranteed to knock one off one’s feet because it’s the flu vax on steroids.

If you don’t “believe” in vaccines, I respect your right to believe whatever you do. However, I’ve had the flu, pneumonia, and other serious infections. It’s no joke, and I can’t afford to be incapacitated for three weeks, possibly making my POTS worse. (You can read about POTS here.)

Anyway, I took an extra strength Tylenol, and that really helped.

I’ve been working on a lot of things, but one that I’ve spent the most time on is seriously zeroing in on the fireplace mantel.

Remember the Parisian Fireplace mantel we looked at recently?

Guys, several of you pointed me toward places that have reclaimed mantels. I know you mean well and I appreciate that. However, I have one of those. It’s way too big. And, that is the problem with 99% of American mantels.

I have decided I don’t want to muck with that minimum 12″ code for a fireproof surround under wood.

Therefore, the mantel has to be made of marble. Then, we only need about six inches for the slip all the way around.

To that end, I contacted Chesney’s. Like Jamb, they are a high-end seller of gorgeous reproduction fireplace mantels as well as antiques in the UK. However, their prices aren’t in the stratosphere. And they have a to the trade only showroom in NYC’s D & D Building, where I spent hundreds of hours shopping for clients.

There is one mantel I like a lot. It is in the style of Sir John Soane (10 September 1753 – 20 January 1837), the illustrious English neo-classical architect. You can see some of his exquisite work here, at the University of Cambridge I visited in 2017.

Sir John was a contemporary of our own (“our” being Boston) neo-classical architect, Charles Bulfinch. (August 8, 1763 – April 15, 1844).

Portrait by George B. Matthews, after 1842 drawing by Alvan Clark Oil on canvas, 29-1/2″ x 24-1/2″ 1931

Charles Bulfinch was the architect of the original Mass State House Building. You know, the one with 100s of building code violations. And, he was also the architect of the fantastic Otis House. Coincidentally, I’m currently living around the corner from the Otis House. Of course, he designed numerous other important buildings in Boston.

So, let’s look at the Soane-inspired chimneypiece created by Chesney’s of London.

Chesney’s Albany fireplace mantel

See? Beautiful, classical proportions, devoid of extraneous ornamentation. Sir John’s taste was exquisite. I’m not sure if this is the American size of the Albany which is 47.5″ high or UK size which is 45.5″ high.

The details are gorgeous.

Unfortunately, there are a few problems.

I found it at this source online for $4,200. Not bad.

However, the “trade” quote was for $4,100. And, I was told it was 40% off.

Okay… if you say so. :/

In addition, I need the English size, not the American size. The UK size while better would be better a little lower. The height of my opening is only 26.5″ high. With shipping, the price quoted was $5,500. However, that did not include the customizations, which would probably jack the price up at least 20%.

The slip that I like the best can’t be customized to fit, and I believe the price is at least as much as the mantel.

I also feel that the Chesney’s skirting (base) on the jambs (legs) is a little high, especially for the height I need. (43″)

But, one thing Chesney’s does that I love is they have PDF line drawings available for download.

So, then I went back to the antique Louis XVI-style fireplace (one here is similar).

Two problems there. The guy didn’t return my query, and it’s really a little too deep for my liking. However, I found another fireplace that’s just the right size.

The guy in the Netherlands got back to me right away.

He knocked off several hundred, which I very much appreciate. And, it’s in line with what I was planning on spending. But, the shipping quote is super steep. He’s going to look into getting me a better rate. Anyway, I’ve decided on it.

Presenting my new Parisian fireplace mantel!

But here’s what’s funny. Two years ago, in the mirror over the mantel post, I shared the beautiful photo below from the fabulous ABKasha on Instagram.

Yes, it’s the same design! And mine is from Paris, originally, and 19th c. I’m so tickled that I’m going to (God willing) have a mantel like one of their gorgeous mantels they put in all their exquisitely renovated Paris apartments.

If you’re not already, please follow ABKasha on Instagram!

I’ve also redone my rendering with the new Parisian fireplace mantel.

I love it! It’s a bit of Paris and it’s 19th century. We have to come up with a suitable name. ;]

Of course, I will give you all the details after we finalize the deal.

P.S. I still want the Egyptian chandelier, but I need to wait to see if there’s any money left for it.

There’s so much more I’m working on! Much to share, including the latest on the Cremone Bolts!

xo,

Please check out the recently updated HOT SALES!

*********The Serena & Lily up to 40% off sale is ending

at 11:59 p.m. (PT) on 9/12/23!

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