Georgian Mantel design was based on the classical orders and followed strict rules of proportion whilst employing a rich and varied range of decorative devices.
The first half of the century saw Palladian architectural influence in the ascendancy but mantel design was revolutionised mid-century by Robert Adam, who substituted a new and elegant repertoire based on a wide variety of classical sources. Mantels acquired a lighter and less robust appearance displaying crisply executed low relief carving and the use of inlaid coloured marble became popular, providing a striking contrast to the remainder of the mantel which was always worked from statuary marble.
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