The dated Great Oak fireback was the second design created for the first year of original fireback production in 1979. A homage to all that we receive from the tree and the Oak in particular as a symbol of strength and durability.
This fireback follows a tradition observed in old firebacks and stove plates of the dating
each production year. We jumped the gun a little on this tradition by casting 1980 in the
spring of 1979.
The artist got his first inspiration while still in art school and visiting the Mercer Museum
of Doylestown in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The Mercer Museum exhibits trace the
preindustrial history of this country, it's collection of firebacks is unparalleled in the
United States.
Wishing to continue this tradition rather than be contented with copying from the past, artist
J. Del Conner created the Oak Tree fireback without a historic counter part. As such, this
fireback was the first new fireback offered to the American public in a very, very long time.
Signature Edition Fireback by J. Del Conner ©JDC 1999
Cast Iron, Made by hand in the USA
18" wide, 20"high, 41 pounds
First introduced in spring of 1979