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Original poster

Where to find period fireplaces?

27 replies

Serendipity24 · 10/02/2022 17:16

My builder has removed the cute mini Edwardian fireplace from the house we are renovating without asking me. I am so gutted. He says it was not in a good condition etc. But I think it only needed to be restored. Where can I find a similar one now?

Where to find period fireplaces?
OP posts:
DogsAndGin · 10/02/2022 17:18

Salvage yards. Facebook marketplace

TeacupDrama · 10/02/2022 17:19

Technically that's theft just ask for it back, but failing that your nearest salvage yard, they occasionally come up on ebay and Facebook marketplace but finding one the right size is tricky. Doesn't look much wrong with it in the photo but it is possible the cast iron has rusted through behind the paint

DuesToTheDirt · 10/02/2022 17:24

Got mine on ebay! It was fairly local and we hired a van to pick it up.

ThreeFeetTall · 10/02/2022 17:33

He's stolen it Shock

Thecurtainsofdestiny · 10/02/2022 17:34

Ask for it back!

WhiteXmas21 · 10/02/2022 17:41

Definitely ask for it back. He probably has or plans to sell it on, but that’s not his call.

And look for fireplace installers online in your area. I am in NE Scotland and there are a couple who refurbish such fireplaces and can put you in touch with an installer. Hopefully there is one near you.

Darley368 · 10/02/2022 17:46

Salvo!

rbe78 · 10/02/2022 17:46

Google reclamation yards, there's sure to be some local to you.

You may even find your one there - wouldn't be suprised if your builder sold it on.

CheeseRadio · 10/02/2022 17:50

I got mine from ebay. I echo pps that his actions are theft. It could get him a few hundred quid sold on.

senua · 10/02/2022 18:09

I agree - he's stolen it!
Stop all work, pay nothing more until he returns or replaces it. Even if it wasn't in good condition (a) it's not his call (b) he has no right to remove stuff without permission [what's he stealing next?] (c) it's worth some money, even if just salvage / tat.

Angliski · 10/02/2022 18:14

Recalamation yard and eBay

Decorhate · 10/02/2022 18:22

If you can get it back, it’s an opportunity to get it professionally stripped before you have it reinstalled. This is far quicker & easier than trying to strip one in-situ.

If it’s gone, then it depends what you had planned to do with it. If it was just going to be a decorative feature then a secondhand one will do. If you want to have a working fireplace then it might be safer to get a reproduction one professionally installed.

The one in our living room is reproduction. It looks good though it’s not as detailed as the originals in the bedrooms.

barbrahunter · 10/02/2022 18:23

I agree with the others, he's sold it. I got my period fireplace from ebay.

ohidoliketobe · 10/02/2022 18:26

I got ours from Facebook marketplace. Took a few months of watching and waiting, and set a 40 mile radius. The perfect one at a bargain price appeared from a seller in the street behind us.

Original poster
Serendipity24 · 10/02/2022 18:28

Thank you all for your messages and suggestions, really appreciate it.

OP posts:
WondrousAcorn · 10/02/2022 18:35

Try and get it back first. What he’s done is terrible I agree no mistake. They aren’t really worth much in terms of cash, so I find it strange he’d try and pull the wool over your eyes like this.

The not being worth much works in your favour if you can’t get it back, though, as you can either pick up a bargain on eBay or somewhere or, if you’re lazy (like me), you can get a specialist to fully restore and fit.

We went to this place: victorianfireplacestore.co.uk/ They have a massive facility with hundreds and hundreds of fireplaces you can flip through just like you used to look through posters at hmv. There are so many you have a huge range for all periods.

WondrousAcorn · 10/02/2022 18:38

And re condition - what absolute crap from your builder. I saw fireplaces that had clearly come from squats when I was looking for mine. Rust and graffiti. They can all be restored to their former glory.

chocolateorangeinhaler · 10/02/2022 18:51

Tell him to bring it back immediately. That can be shot blasted and repainted in any colour you like and would look great.

wineymummy · 10/02/2022 21:54

I've got one in my garage to sell, where are you?

Original poster
Serendipity24 · 11/02/2022 11:57

Thank you all who responded.

He said he is going to replace it. Let's see.

@wineymummy I am in Surrey. What is the dimension of yours? The one I had was really small.

@Decorhate where did you get the reproduction from?

OP posts:
Decorhate · 11/02/2022 12:37

It was a local fireplace shop. They had quite a selection in that style back then (> 20 years ago)

Wotagain · 11/02/2022 12:48

Depending wherabouts in Surrey you live, these people could be local to you
www.peco-of-hampton.co.uk/product/fireplaces/combinations

senua · 11/02/2022 13:13

He said he is going to replace it.
Out of his wallet, not yours?
Do you get veto if it's not up to snuff. Get a photo before it is installed.

Original poster
Serendipity24 · 11/02/2022 13:30

@senua of course, I am not paying! I will have a look at it in person before deciding whether it will do.

@Wotagain thanks for the link, will check it out

OP posts:
earsup · 11/02/2022 19:20

gumtree...i paid low prices...25 and 30....salvage wanted 200 / 300...silly money.