The Edwardian era, considered an age of elegance, spanned from around 1900 up until 1920, after the end of the First World War.
Edwardian fireplaces were slightly smaller and more understated than Victorian models, with minimal design and surface decoration. Although Edwardian fireplace designs were generally simpler than Victorian ones, a wide range of decoration could still be found, such as finials and classical motifs reminiscent of the Tudor and Elizabethan eras. Like the Victorians, the Edwardians were influenced by past designs – although not to anywhere near the same extent.
Like Victorian cast iron fireplaces, early Edwardian fireplaces consisted of a cast iron frame that had tiles sets into each side. The canopy on legs, introduced in 1880, was also very popular in Edwardian times – there were frames for tiles to sit in and these were placed either side of the canopy.
At the start of the Edwardian period, gas heating was introduced. Coal and wood were still widely used as fuel, but many Edwardian fireplaces were adapted so they could use gas. The elements of Edwardian gas fires were made from a white vermiculated ceramic substance and were either stood upright in metal cabinets or laid in the hearth. These Edwardian fireplaces could still be seen in homes in the fifties, although they were not as efficient as their more modern counterparts. A downside to gas heating was that it dried out the atmosphere, and, for many decades, homeowners tried to compensate for this by leaving a dish full of water on the hearth.
Another Edwardian innovation was the first log and coal-effect gas fires.
2 Responses to “Edwardian Fireplaces”
[...] too. The Antique Fireplace Company, based in Shropshire, specialises in reclaimed Victorian and Edwardian cast iron fireplaces and fully restores them before selling. One on offer is a pretty Victorian [...]
[...] Edwardian original fireplace inserts 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. [...]