Does anybody know anything about the 20's Arts and Crafts movement?

[itstheyearzero]

We bought a 20's Arts and Crafts style house last year, and there is something that is really puzzling me. In one of the sitting rooms there is a large Inglenook fireplace that covers one wall. Above the actual fireplace opening there are 3 arched 'openings' that at the moment are covered in wood. When we moved in I removed the wood and found just bare plaster underneath. I'm probably not describing this very well, so there is a pic on my profile if anyone wants to take a look. I'm just wondering what would have originally been in these holes?? They definitely weren't windows as the chimney breast is behind them. Anybody got any ideas? PS The blass plates are long gone in case you are wondering

I'm no expert, but what you've got in the picture looks about right to me - i.e. they're for displaying plates / plaques, and quite possibly brass ones

This is a slightly different set up, but the same idea:
viewpictures.co.uk/ImageThumbs/_NT_20869/3/_NT_20869_The_fireplace_in_the_Oak_Room_at_Wightwick_Manor_is_lined_with_Dutch_Persian_Flower_tiles_and_carved.jpg

I don't think that the wood is intended to be removed - I think that it may be that the holes are just to save on bricks. Does the wood actually look newer than the rest?

this shows a sort of display idea as well.

HAd the plaster ever been painted? Just wondering it that's intended to be the background?

I'd second the fact that they were intended for some sort of display - A&C architects and architects were really keen on building in display areas, lots of 1920s houses have very deep picture rails almost like a shelf, for instance, designed to hold decorative plates etc. What are you going to put there?

Thanks that's interesting! The wood is definitely newer than the rest (cheap plywood varnished a similar colour). The plaster behind is just rough plaster, not painted. So, it seems like you are right, there probably would have been wood in there which has been eplaced for some reason. Not sure what to put there to be honest. OH thinks it would be nice to get some stained glass plaques made up in a 20's style, with littlel ights behind to illuminate them. That would probably cost quite a bit though. I guess I could have a search aroubd for something decorative to go in there in the meanntime. Any ideas? Thanks again

Hmm, I actually feel that they are very difficult spaces to get right as they are quite small and, ideally, you would want to have things that complimented each other. I don't think it has to be anything A&C - although a lovely pewter vase or jug or plate would look great. How about, instead of glass panels, getting some quite bold glassware - 1970s Murano abstract stuff?

I'd put some decorative plates inside them.

Your fireplace is very similar to mine (but I don't have an inglenook) :)

This is a very useful website, with an interesting arts and crafts research area too.