If you are living in the northern hemisphere then you’ll know we are in the depths of winter. If in the southern hemisphere then you know you have winter to look forward to!
Keeping warm in winter has become for many people a commonplace occurrence. Something that archaeological evidence suggests may go back 800,000 years to when mankind found he could harness the benefits of fire. But fire has not just been used as a provision of warmth down the centuries. Early man also used fire as a method of cooking, managing crops and to ward off wild animals. Later fire became an essential tool in warfare.
Early use of fire for warmth centred around a fire pit in the centre of the hut or house with smoke drifting upwards and out of the structure through holes or vents in the roof. This method remained until the 15th century when canopies to guide the smoke away from the centre of the room were added. It was then a natural step to move the fire to a wall on the edge of a room where the smoke canopy could be better supported. The walled in fireplace emanates from the 16th century and modern day fires evoke thoughts of a roaring fire in a fireplace with purpose built chimney. The raised fire basket and chimney flue evolved in the 1700’s when Ben Franklin developed a method to draw the smoke upward and Count Rumford designed a tall shallow fireplace that better radiated the heat outwards rather than upwards. For many, fuel-efficient gas or electric fires or central heating fulfil the requirement of warming the room arguably without the charm of the open roaring fire.
The fireplace has become the focal point of the room and is often where children play or adults gather for conversation. President Franklin D Roosevelt used this to great effect during the Great Depression of the early 1930’s and mid 1940’s when he broadcast his weekly radio address known as ‘fireside chats’
Natural fuel fireplaces require their attendant accessories to maintain a good warm fire. These would include a poker, bellows, coalscuttle, shovel and companion set (brushes, coal tongs etc.) Other accessories are more for the comfort of the user! These would naturally include footstool, slippers and a thick hearthrug. Let’s not forget that users do not have to solely be human either! Getting to a warm fire past a dozing dog or sleeping cat can be a challenge in itself!
So, why not evoke the thoughts of a warm fire on a cold winters night in your dolls house by adding a fireplace (and perhaps some small fireside accessories.