How can you tell a Victorian fireplace?

Fireplaces typical of Queen Victoria’s reign (1837-1901) can be categorised into two main styles: early-Victorian fireplaces are very ornate and ostentatious and include intricate designs often focusing on florals patterns, while the late-Victorian style is more geometric resulting in cleaner and simpler designs.

How were Victorian fireplaces built?

Most Victorian houses were heated by fireplaces burning coal or logs in every room. Victorian fireplaces were initially made of marble or slate but later cast iron frames became popular and had colourful tile insets down either side and a decorative mantelshelf made of slate or pine.

How do you restore an old fireplace?

How to Restore a Cast Iron Fireplace

  1. Clean away any rust on the surface.
  2. Strip away old layers of paint.
  3. Repair any cracks by professional welding.
  4. Re-paint or polish as desired.

What were Victorian fireplaces made from?

Victorian fireplaces were made from marble stone or timber and very often combined with an arched insert. The arched insert itself reflecting advances in design that allowed more heat to be generated from a smaller fire and a more efficient means of evacuating smoke from the room.

What does an Edwardian fireplace look like?

Edwardian Period This sort of design was seen much of in the late Victorian era. Fireplaces in the Edwardian era were typically made from cast iron and as the period progressed fireplaces became taller and slimmer, the decoration became simpler and less complex than designs seen in the late Victorian period.

Can I use my Victorian fireplace?

Can I use my Victorian fireplace? There is no reason why you can’t use your Victorian fireplace as long as some checks are made and potentially some work is done if required as decribed below to make sure it is safe to use.

How do old fashioned fireplaces work?

A fireplace creates a column of heated gas inside the chimney. As that air rises, more heated air from the fire is pulled after it. The result is a draft — a steady flow of smoke and hot gases — up the chimney.

How do I know if my fireplace is original?

There are a few ways to tell: Check the back of the fireplace, if the screws are new that’s a tell tale sign that the fireplace is new or some of it may have been replaced. Check the detail: On an original the detail should be crisp and clear. Repro’s are made from moulds and some detail can be lost.

How do you bring a brick fireplace back to life?

Vinegar and Water Vinegar is a slightly acidic mixture that is commonly used for cleaning bricks, stones and grouts. Use a spray bottle or sponge to apply a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water to the fireplace. After it sits for a few minutes giving the acid a chance to work, scrub and sponge the fireplace clean.

When were cast iron fireplaces used?

The Georgian & Regency Fireplace During the Georgian Era, cast iron fireplaces were very much in vogue. These eras span a significant length of time, from King George I to George IV, beginning 1714 and carrying on right trough to 1837.

Can you burn wood in a Victorian fireplace?

What is the best fuel to burn in your Victorian fireplace? If you want to burn wood, only use dry logs, preferably ones that have been seasoned for at least 12 months. By reducing the moisture content of the wood, you will avoid tar deposits collecting in the flue. Dry logs also burn more efficiently.