Artistry and History Underfoot

Coalhole covers are cast iron plates set in the pavements of city streets to cover the entrances to coal cellars of Victorian and Edwardian houses.Their raised patterns not only prevent passers by from slipping on them, but are also often highly decorative with a great variety of designs. Sometimes the design incorporates the name and address of the ironmonger who sold the cover or the foundry that cast it. ARTISTRY AND HISTORY UNDERFOOT contains over 200 illustrations and locations of coalhole covers that have survived on the streets of London into the 21st century, together with some from other parts of the UK. The book also includes an index to nearly 100 companies appearing on the illustrated coalhole covers as well as historical notes on 17 of these ironmongers or foundries. With details of patents for non-slip, self-fastening and illuminating coal plates, Artistry and History Underfoot is a comprehensive study of coalhole covers.