Removing old paint from internal brickwork

[bakerchick]

I want to expose the bricks inside a chimney breast; they are currently painted over in white (pre-1930s so probably whitewash or distemper rather than emulsion). Any ideas as to the best way to remove the paint without sandblasting?

 

[Zampa]

If its distemper then try hot water..scraping each layer away with a scraper and a wire brush...but to be honest I dont think it will get that paint out of all the nooks and crannies...grit blasting might be the only way.