Dear Mr. Buckley,

I thought you might enjoy this snapshot of a 4' Rumford with surround and trumeau. I built the firebox and carved the mantle. The mantle is out of Cordova Cream limestone, quarried near Austin. Your website was a great help.

I read the Vrest Orton book when I began doing research. I found it amazing that the man was willing to go to some trouble with his biographical sketch of Rumford, but aparently made no effort whatsoever to research Rumford's writing and drawings regarding fireplace design - ostensibly, the subject of his book.

In Europe, I have never seen these fire hole fireboxes as are built here, and I think your work will foster enduring change in the manner in which these things are done. Thanks!

With Best Regards,

Russ Thayer