Oakhampton House, Dunley, Chimney - piece 1884
22.11.1884
The Worcestershire Chronicle reports “ Mr. Forsyth, of The Tything, in this city, has just completed an elaborately carved chimney-piece, which is noteworthy because works of this description are now rarely seen. The chimney-piece is intended to embellish the hall of Mr. Crane’s house, at Oakhampton, near Stourport, to which a wing or two have recently been added. The material used in the chimney-piece is Riga oak, with birds-eye marble for that portion immediately surrounding the fireplace. The principal feature is the carving in the panels over the mantel-shelf which are filled in with subjects especially appropriate for a country house. The first division represents a hunt meet ; two smaller ones over it persons fishing and shooting respectively ; and the top panel the hounds in full cry. The sides of the chimney-piece are filled in with hounds heads, and characteristic ornamentation in the Renaissance style. Surmounting the whole will be a trophy showing a fox’s head, spurs, hunting-horn, and a whip. The work is an excellent example of difficult and delicate carving, and is remarkable for the fidelity with which the hunting and other scenes are portrayed. When it is complete and is erected the chimney-piece, which is between ten and eleven feet in height, will have an artistic and imposing effect “
There is an entry in William’s account books, dated 1885, for “designing and executing chimney piece in the best oak with subjects hunting, fishing, shooting and other carvings “ for John Henry Crane
I owe a big thanks to Lesley Clarke, Manager of Severn Manor ( Oakhampton House) who allowed me access to photograph this wonderful piece of Forsyth work
