The present fender is of deceptively plain inverted breakfront form, adorned with egg and dart decoration and two splendid gilded griffins of very large size. The griffins have hooks on the back to support fire tools and are exceptionally well cast, with chased acanthus detailing to the hind quarters, breasts and wing joints. The gilding has aged very well and acquired a lovely patina.

Attributing the source of the initial design to Thomas Hope is relatively simple in this case. When working on these sorts of attributions, it is the policy of most auction houses and dealers to refer purely to Hope's Household Furniture and Decoration, published in 1807, and indeed there is a relevant plate there. Plate 58 shows a fender with griffin decoration adorning a fine fireplace.

This very fine fender makes a wonderful decorative statement and relates clearly to the work of the most famous of all of the regency connoisseurs and designers and his work to revive the classical ideals in England. It is also worth noting that it pairs extremely well with our Egyptomania fire grate which also draws inspiration from some of Hope's designs.