the rectangular backplate - shaped and worn from much use above the hob-plates with moulded edges, the duck's-nest basket with bowed rails (later re-seated), the hob-fronts cast in relief with delicate neo-classical motifs, baskets of flowers, bell-flower pendants and scrolls,

This is a good example of a Georgian hob grate being produced in the 1780’s or 1790’s. This format with wide hobs enabled the cooking and warming of food and water by the fire. The influence of Robert Adam can be seen in the relief-cast ornament – his brother John was both a share-holder and designer for the Carron foundry in Falkirk. Carron and Coalbrookdale were competitors at the time  – with little design protection they readily copied each other’s patterns.