Antique Trent Figural Fireplace Surround — William Gallimore, c.1886–1895

Description

A complete figural fireplace surround by the Trent Tile Company of Trenton, New Jersey, modeled in deep high relief and finished in a warm tobacco-brown and olive transmutation glaze. Each tile is stamped TRENT on the reverse. Reclaimed from a mansion in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The figural designs are documented works of the sculptor William Wood Gallimore, published in Karlson’s Encyclopedia of American Art Tiles: the Shepherd, the Shepherdess, and the Shepherd making music. Gallimore, born in Burslem in 1841, was chief modeler at Belleek before joining Trent in 1886, succeeding Isaac Broome. Anchored by two tall figural panels and a pastoral frieze, surrounded by botanical tiles of wheat, wild daisies, and grasses. Excellent, honest condition; fine even crazing; no breaks or losses to the relief. A clean, complete, original set.