The Lion & Unicorn Traditional Cast Iron Fireback is a large decorative fireplace back designed to create a formal period focal point while protecting the rear of the fireplace chamber. Featuring the traditional heraldic lion and unicorn, it brings a strong sense of history and architectural character to a suitable open fireplace.
The lion and unicorn are closely associated with British heraldry, giving this fireback a particularly formal and distinctive appearance. Its detailed cast design is well suited to Georgian, Victorian, country house and heritage-inspired interiors where the fireplace is intended to become a prominent decorative feature.
Cast iron firebacks have been used in traditional fireplaces for generations. Positioned against the rear of the chamber, they help shield the brickwork from direct heat and scorching. Their substantial mass also absorbs heat from the fire and gradually radiates it back into the room.
This is an especially heavy fireback, with the supplied product data stating a weight of approximately 118kg. Its generous scale makes it best suited to larger fireplace openings, substantial fire baskets and inglenook-style chambers where the detailed heraldic design can remain visible.
The traditional black finish allows the raised lion and unicorn motif to stand out while coordinating naturally with cast iron fire baskets, period inserts, stone surrounds and dark hearth materials.
Installation is normally achieved by positioning the fireback securely against the rear wall of the fireplace. Due to its exceptional weight, careful planning, suitable support and professional manual handling are particularly important.
Some traditional firebacks are still hand moulded and cast using long-established manufacturing techniques. Slight variations in surface texture, weight and dimensions may therefore occur and should be considered part of the individual character of the cast iron.
Key Features
- Traditional cast iron fireback
- Decorative lion and unicorn motif
- Formal British heraldic styling
- Suitable for larger fireplace chambers
- Protects rear fireplace brickwork
- Helps reduce heat scorching
- Absorbs and radiates heat
- Suitable for compatible open fires
- May suit certain gas-effect fires
- Traditional black finish
- Substantial cast iron construction
- Approximate weight of 118kg
- Strong period-inspired appearance
- Suitable for heritage fireplace projects
Expert Insight
The exceptional weight and scale of this fireback make it more appropriate for a substantial fireplace installation than a standard domestic chamber. The supporting surface, access route and lifting method should all be considered before delivery, as moving it safely will require several people or suitable handling equipment.
Suitability
The Lion & Unicorn Traditional Cast Iron Fireback is suited to compatible open fires, log or coal fires, and certain gas log or coal-effect fires. It is particularly appropriate for large traditional fireplace chambers, inglenooks and heritage-style interiors requiring a prominent heraldic feature.
Installation / Technical Notes
The supplied information contains conflicting product references and measurements:
- Product description: Lion & Unicorn
- Supplied reference: K22 FB Royal Oak
- Alternative reference supplied: K1 FB Lion & Unicorn
- Supplied weight: 118kg
- One size supplied: 33.5 inches wide x 28.75 inches high
- Alternative width supplied: 29.5 inches
- Metric width supplied: 96.5cm
These figures do not correspond:
- 29.5 inches is approximately 75cm
- 33.5 inches is approximately 85cm
- 96.5cm is approximately 38 inches
The correct product code, design name and dimensions must therefore be confirmed with the manufacturer or supplier before publishing, ordering or preparing the fireplace opening.
Due to the stated weight of approximately 118kg, this fireback should not be lifted by one or two people. A planned team lift of at least three people, or appropriate mechanical handling equipment, is likely to be required.
The fireback must be securely supported and installed in accordance with the requirements of the fireplace, fire basket and intended fuel type.