The Lion Traditional Cast Iron Fireback is a decorative fireplace back designed to add strong period character while helping protect the rear of the fireplace chamber. Featuring a detailed lion motif, it creates a bold focal point behind a suitable open fire, fire basket or compatible gas-effect appliance.
The lion has long been used in heraldic and architectural decoration as a symbol of strength and nobility. Its formal appearance makes this fireback particularly well suited to Georgian, Victorian, country house and heritage-inspired interiors where the fireplace is intended to make a confident decorative statement.
Cast iron firebacks have been used in traditional fireplaces for generations. Positioned against the rear wall of the chamber, they help shield the brickwork from direct heat and scorching. Their substantial cast iron construction also absorbs heat from the fire and gradually radiates it back into the room.
This model measures approximately 23.5 inches wide x 16.5 inches high, giving it a broad, low-profile shape. These proportions make it particularly suitable for wider fireplace openings where a shorter decorative fireback is required behind a compatible grate or basket.
The traditional black finish allows the raised lion design to remain clearly visible while coordinating naturally with cast iron baskets, period inserts, stone surrounds and dark hearth materials. Its relatively shallow height also allows it to add decorative detail without dominating the surrounding fireplace arrangement.
Installation is normally achieved by leaning the fireback securely against the rear of the fireplace. The final position should be stable, properly supported and compatible with the fire type, chamber construction and selected grate or basket.
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 regarded as part of the individual character of the cast iron product.
Key Features
- Traditional cast iron fireback
- Decorative lion motif
- Heraldic period-inspired design
- Broad low-profile proportions
- Protects rear fireplace brickwork
- Helps reduce heat scorching
- Absorbs and radiates heat
- Suitable for traditional open fires
- Compatible with certain gas-effect fires
- Traditional black finish
- Approximately 23.5 inches wide
- Approximately 16.5 inches high
- Approximate weight of 33kg
- Simple lean-against installation
- Suitable for heritage fireplace projects
Expert Insight
The Lion fireback works especially well in a wider, lower fireplace chamber. Its bold heraldic motif provides strong visual detail, while the shallow proportions make it easier to position behind a basket without overwhelming the rest of the fireplace.
Suitability
The Lion Traditional Cast Iron Fireback is suitable for compatible open fires, log or coal fires, and certain gas log or coal-effect fires. It is particularly well suited to wider traditional fireplace openings requiring a substantial but low-profile decorative fireback.
Installation / Technical Notes
Approximate dimensions:
- Width: 23.5 inches / approximately 59cm
- Height: 16.5 inches / approximately 42cm
- Weight: 33kg
The supplied information also refers to a width of 23.25 inches. Final dimensions should therefore be checked against the latest manufacturer specification before ordering.
The thickness of traditional cast iron firebacks varies according to size. The exact thickness of this model has not been supplied.
The fireback is normally installed by leaning it securely against the rear wall of the fireplace. It should be stable, properly supported and compatible with the selected fire, grate or basket.
Due to the approximate 33kg weight, suitable manual handling precautions should be used. Two people may be required to lift and position it safely.