melchett scandal fireplace, v.and a.

made 1930 by jagger as part of an art deco ensemble, the scandal relief over the fireplace of mulberry house on smith square in westminster, shows henry mond, second lord melchett and his wife gwen being criticised for their menage a trois with the writer gilbert cannan. the fire basket continued the theme, the lovers'initials are shown beneath two women's faces , with masks hiding their catty natures, the macaw symbolising their parroting gossip.