Connecting to the Past
Stone Fireplaces Crafted By Hand
As an element of architectural design, the fireplace has always been viewed with a certain reverence. From its initial role as the provider of life-sustaining warmth, the modern fireplace has evolved into an aesthetic centre-piece, a functional art form that draws families together while boldly defining a living space.
It's not surprising that stone fireplaces continue to enjoy popularity all over the world. They are at once historical and modern. They represent a connection to our past, to craftsmanship and to the weight and solidity of stone. But they also demonstrate the deft touch of the sculptor, the flourish of the artist and a beauty that is timeless. They continue to be hand-sculpted by artisans all over the world as original carved pieces from stone, and through technological improvements are also being expertly cast in concrete out of moulds made from original pieces. Through improvements in the cast process, they become affordable—but remain priceless.
"When I was in my twenties, I discovered that you could move around a piece of artwork, a lot like discovering the other side of the world on a globe. It had depth and therefore meaning ... when I discovered stone, the concept of working in something hard rather than soft was like seeing the sun rising for the first time."
At Northern Stoneworks, we have been creating Stone Fireplaces for over a decade. Sculptor and designer Terry Corbett began Northern Lights Sculpting studios as an outlet for his artwork; the demand for his touch on architectural elements soon eclipsed his ability to create pieces for galleries. The image to the right shows Terry's hands at work; carving stone is in his blood. We'd like to share with you some information and reference material about the evolution of the stone fireplace and the carved mantle. Whether you're a designer, homeowner or student of the form, we hope you'll find this information valuable in helping you understand better why we have come to love and admire the hearth of stone.
