Gaseous Matter

Ive been looking at gas fires for my house recently (don't know why because its the middle of summer) and I'm very disappointed with the majority of what I've seen; a plethora of tacky gold chrome or classical pastiche.




Or something that looks more like a flat screen television that can fit neatly and discreetly into a very bland modern home. You just imagine the postmodern marketing design philosophy behind such appliances; being about the neanderthal in us watching the fire the same way as we would a television screen.

Even the Smeg fire doesn't really do it for me compared to how their fridges turn me on! They just look like one of those digital photo frames - which I can't stand, no one can ever be arsed to recharge the batteries so they just sit there useless just wishing that they had even the generic couple picture that all manual photo frames come with as standard.

However, if you are after a true retro gas appliance then you may be surprised to know that there are range of design classics that continue to be produced today by the company Flavel. Below is the Flavel Firenza; its retro styling is matched by its impressive heat output.

To me its shimmery beauty matches that of an Italia Rimini guitar; Ive had my eye of this axe for a while now and I think it has got to be the most schexxiest guitar out there.

Below are two more models that Flavel run. First there is the Renaissance in black, 'its stylish retro design is matched by its forward thinking efficiency'.

And below is the 'efficient and adaptable' Misermatic in teak finish - this has got to be my favourite encased in 'real wood'.

I can see an OAP that likes what they know opting for the Misermatic in teak, their original 70's model is a death trap and carbon monoxide poisoning is a obvious risk. However, the beauty of these classics even with their modern efficiency is that they look a little dangerous, like they could snap any moment - like a muzzled dog. To put aesthetics aside, I feel gas fires should look menacing, I fear we could become too complacent with our flat screen hearths and their virtual heat. Fires need to be tangible, we need to feel the warmth but at the same time be aware of their power. Therefore the more institutional a gas fire looks the better; to remind us of its inherent power but to formalise it not to imitate.