Original Fireplace Inserts

As mentioned, cast iron fireplace inserts were first introduced in the Georgian era, and the following is a quick summary of the decorative features of original fireplace inserts from the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian eras.

Georgian fireplace inserts typically consisted of a broad arched fireplace opening, with geometric patterning around the arch – this was often a rope design.

Early Victorian fireplace inserts still retained the look of the Georgian insert, with their wide arched fire opening. However, the decoration around the fireplace opening was much more ornate, with cherubs, floral motifs and intricate beadwork all being commonly used.

By the mid-Victorian era, original fireplace inserts still had an arched fireplace opening, but this tended to be much narrower than the Georgian and early Victorian versions. Decoration moved away from floral motifs and became decidedly geometric, with moulded lines or beadwork in a rope twist, dog tooth or bullnose pattern framing the fireplace arch.

The late Victorian era saw a move away from the arched opening – the fireplace insert of the late Victorian era became squarer and incorporated a hood, typically decorated with a floral detail. Tile sliders were also introduced at this time, and tile sets in various patterns and colours were slid into these panels to provide decoration at either side of the fireplace opening.

The inserts of Edwardian Fireplaces featured a square fireplace opening much like those of the late Victorian period. The geometric style of the mid-Victorian era came into vogue again, and this decoration was reflected in the wide use of linear patterning on the main body of the fireplace insert.

Canopies, however, were usually ornately decorated and common motifs included flowers and urns. Plain rather than patterned tiles became very popular at this time, and tended to match the hearth. Pastel colours were in vogue, providing a direct contrast to the dark coloured tiles popular in the late Victorian era.