Fireplace shovel

Fireplace shovel Fireplaces that were used to heat rooms were accompanied by fireplace accessories for two purposes – the practical and the decorative one. They were made up of the following: fire dogs, pliers, a shovel, poker, a hook, a brush, a bellows to keep the fire going (usually wooden, leather-clad), a stand, and a fireplace screen, a piece of sheet metal placed at the front of the fireplace. These products were subject to various fashions, and their looks changed with the dominating art style of the time. The majority of fireplace equipment at the Łańcut castle museum stems from the time from the 18th century to the beginning of the 20th century, and is made of brass, gilded bronze, steel, and originating mainly from England, France and Poland. The shovel from the Potoccy family collection is made of steel, stems from London from the end of the 18th century. it is composed of the blade, stem and grip. The rounded blade is decorated with palmette, around which a band is woven, tied in a knot. Under the palmette there is a row of highly styled cymatium, in twigs (from the above and from below). The stem is quite long, round, with two broader portions, ending with a straight rod. The grip is shaped like an ancient vase, with a laurel leaf motif and fluting between two bead bands.