ACANTHUS FIREPLACE

Acanthus is a genus of about 30 species of flowering plants in the family Acanthaceae, native to tropical and warm temperate regions of the Old World, with the highest species diversity in the Mediterranean region and Asia. Common names include Acanthus and Bear's breeches.

Acanthus leaves have featured in designs from the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans and, more recently, are almost a trademark of William Morris. Acanthus leaf designs have also inspired the designs on marble fireplaces. The Acanthus marble fireplace was introduced in the Regency Period and has remained a popular design ever since.

The Regency Period has been defined as 'The period 1811-1820 during which the Prince of Wales (later George IV) acted as regent during his father's periods of insanity'. Strictly speaking the Regency lasted from 1811-1820 , but as with any stylistic period the styles and fashions of the Regency were not confined to the decade which gave them their name. The influence of the Prince made itself felt long before he took temporary control from his father in 1811, and certainly did not disappear when he became king in 1820.