Original chimney Breast lintel curved??

[Ben WW]

So, we removed the old gas fire (including concrete surround) and started chipping away at the plaster to try and find the original builders opening but now slightly confused.

Is the curved brickwork the builders openings original lintel and everything below it filled in for fitting of the gas fire?

I can see where the newer, untied in brickwork is an add on but wondered where the support for the chimney above comes into play?

 

[^woody^]

The arch supports the wall above

 

[Ben WW]

The arch supports the wall above

Cheers Woody! So am I safe to assume that the brickwork below the level of the archway can indeed be removed without affecting the structure? The doesn't appear to be any movement within the arches pointing etc.

 

[^woody^]

Yes that's the idea

 

[Ben WW]

Yes that's the idea

Thanks for all your advice folks. New log burner fitted. Pic below.

Ben

 

[stuart45]

Nice job. Good when someone gets back with the finished job. That will please woody, the arch actually stayed up.

 

[bobasd]

well done, a very neat clean job. bring your boots you can start tomorrow.

an even betteryou left your rounded wood corners undisterbed.

 

[Ben WW]

well done, a very neat clean job. bring your boots you can start tomorrow.

an even betteryou left your rounded wood corners undisterbed.

Its so easy to just rip them out but i think you lose the fabric of the original house in a weird kinda way.

I saved them in the front living room too, sanded them down and painted them along with the rest of the plaster. More conservation than restoration but feels the best thing to do.

Apologises for old photo. Surround has been refitted since.

This was the original room before 'restoration'