Chimney plate also known as a "counter-hearth", "taque" (from Belgium to Lorraine) or "fire plate" in some areas, is a cast-iron object placed at the bottom of the chimney hearth, which is a chimney accessory. Leaning against the back wall, its goal is to return the heat from the fireplace to the living room, and to prevent it from getting lost in the wall.
The plates are usually made of iron, which is why they are usually found in regions geologically rich in iron and forges (like Normandy, Lorraine, Champagne...). In some areas they are made of granite (Brittany) or terracotta (Auvergne). They vary in shape and size: square, rectangular, semi-circular, octagonal, trapezoidal, etc.
In order to make these plates, the sculptors make a wooden model, this one is then strongly pressed on wet sand in order to make an imprint, it is in this imprint that the iron casting is poured.Latest arrivals