Vintage fireplaces

A fire surround, made of timber, marble or cast iron. Often architectural in concept and execution, they may feature pilasters, volutes, shaped cornices and so on, usually surmounted by a large mirror or over mantel. Cast iron fire grates were introduced from the mid-18th century. Early versions were usually free standing, but late Victorian and Edwardian fireplaces were often equipped with cast-iron and tiled grates intended to fit exactly the fire surround opening. The cast-iron backplates reflected heat back into the room.