Relaying bricks for fire place on lintel

[Jamespf1]

Hello,

I’ve just installed a new lintel in my fireplace but in the process 2 courses of bricks above the lintel have become loose and I’ve now knocked them out.

Can I install the new live of bricks abouce the lintel vertically? Instead of the traditional horizontally laid.

Thanks

 

[23vc]

Yes, whatever works

 

[Roy Bloom]

You could create a nice arch like that, Then you wouldn't need the lintel.
Use a wooden former to supprt the 'soldier' course. But make it out of several pieces so you can remove it easily after the arch is cured.
Oterwise, keep the lintel and fill in between the lintel and the new arch.
Or as 23vc says, as you like.