Uncovering 1930s fireplace

[Alice Smart]

Hi, we’re currently uncovering a 60s stone fire surround in a 1930s house and are trying to open up the fireplace. We removed the small electric fireplace and found this white fire surround inside, the top half has turned black. It’s one solid piece and it concaves inwards. I’m worried the surround is made out of asbestos, but I can’t find much online about this to be sure. I wondered if anyone has come across anything similar and if it was asbestos? There’s also a black sort of rectangular pipe that runs under the top of the surround, I assume this is the old gas supply (the supply tap in the floor has been cut off now)? Hopefully someone has tried to do something similar? First time buyer so this is all new! Thanks

 

[23vc]

Doesn’t look like it, normally they’re clay or cement type stuff ?

 

[Alice Smart]

Thanks for your comment. Yeah I thought it didn’t fully fit the description of asbestos what with it being in one solid piece that shape but I’m a complete novice! I wonder if anyone else will confirm they have/had one of these and what it was made of. Am looking probably put a decorative fireplace in the gap so may not even need to touch it.

 

[Nige F]

As 23vc says - Though I've never seen a rectangular gas pipe

 

[Alice Smart]

I think it’s a metal lintel!