100+yr old fireplace needs lots of TLC - incl new tiles, reclaimed or replica?

[LivingInaBuildingSite]

My house was built in 1912 and has a beautiful (to me anyway) original fireplace that needs restoring.

We’ve had to take off everything for tiling and skirting and can now see the inside more clearly:

the base is some kind of slate that has cracked in several places
the back/curved bit is also cracked in several places
around the curved bit are random bits of brick that probably need to come out
one of the decorative tiles on the frame is cracked so I think I need to replace the lot

The builders are researching the ‘innards’ so the tiles are over to me.

Has anyone ever replaced their fireplace tiles?
I’ve had a quick Google and there are loads of options, where is good and reputable?
Should I go for reclaimed (£££) or replica?
The current ones have squares and rectangles making up a flower scene, I don’t love them or hate them but not sure what to go with when it’s actually my choice.

Pics would be helpful. I have reinstated several fireplaces. Assuming it is a reasonably standard Victorian cast iron one then I would be tempted to go for reclaimed tiles for the insert panels and the new ones if you need to retile the hearth. There is a company in Stockport who manafacture reproduction hearth tiles and hearths. You can send measurements and they will make a perfect hearth that you can just slot in. It is called 20th centuryfireplaces.

c20fireplaces.co.uk/

You can get a huge selection of reclaimed insert tiles on eBay. They are usually £100-200 a set.

Thank you, will try and add a photo.

I’m getting a new hearth from the granite guy who did my worktops as he said I have a bit left from the slab I paid for already. He’ll just do the opposite of polish so it’s Matt instead of shiny if that makes sense?

This photo is of the side that isn’t cracked btw.

Years ago, when Victoria fireplaces were very popular I got some lovely tiles from a fireplace supplier. He had a choice of original or modern.

Are you hoping to use it as an open fire?

I could be wrong but first impressions make me think it is a reproduction one because of the colour and pattern on the tiles and the lack of sharpness on the cast iron patterns on the front. Doesn't matter if you like it anyway but might make it easier to find replacement parts.

Thanks for replying.

We have used it as an open fire and hope to do so in the future. So I want tiles that can definitely cope with the heat.

It could be a repro but I doubt it, my photography skills are dodgy lol.
The state of the innards look like old brick slips (made locally around here in the past) have been chucked in there around the curved bit. Not a great photo, may try and get another.

The second pic of the tiles is better. They look like old ones. Must have just been a dodgy camera angle. If you want to replace them it is an easy job. There is usually a bar at the back that you can loosen off and then you secure the new tiles with some fire clay. You used to be able to buy it from b and q but not sure if they still do it. We also sealed round the cast insert with fire clay once it was Insitu to make sure no smoke leaked through it.

The builders can get the fire clay, etc.
I just have to find some tiles at we both like, that don’t cost the earth although I suppose I can sell what I have. Found a seller on eBay selling two of my exact tiles, just not the broken ones sadly.

any thoughts on these:

I think (not sure) that the wooden parts of the fireplace have carved flowers that may be tulips. So that might kind of match and make sense.

those are nice tiles

Yes. I agree. Sounds like the surround might be art nouveau from the carving and the age of the house. My favourite style! Those tiles are art nouveau. It is a very distinctive look once you get your eye in. Look up Alphonse muchas art work and you will see what I mean. Beautiful.

If you replace all the parts, it won't be an original fireplace will it? Keep as much original as you possibly can. Cracks tell a story.

I have the thistle version of those tiles, so I am biased and think they are fab!