The fire basket formed an integral part of an opulent interior designed for Mulberry House, the Melchett's home. It related directly to the relief 'Scandal' that hung above the fireplace, a humourous reference to the couples earlier 'menage à trois' with a writer. At the back of the fire basket, two snarling cats are depicted hiding behind female masks to signify the 'double face' and 'cattiness' of society gossip. In the centre is a macaw, a satire on the idea of 'parroting' phrases without thought for content or meaning.
More information
Title of artwork, date
The Melchett Fire Basket, 1930
Date supported
2005
Medium and material
Cast iron
Dimensions
91.5 x 75.5 x 33 cm
Grant
25000
Total cost
66000
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