What has happened to this fire place and is it possible to restore it?

[Livertonian]

Hi everyone! I’ve recently moved into and terraced house dating to around 1896. Uncovered this enormous fireplace which had been covered by a mirror (someone actually drilled a giant mirror across the whole thing!) Confused about the origins... I’m assuming the white brick is not original. The inside looks like an open hearth but there are gas pipes in there. Lots of damp in the chimney breast and floor boards. Is there any way to restore this fireplace? I’ve also found what I think is an old bread oven in the kitchen so will be looking to restore that too! Has anyone else been able to fix an eye sore like this?

 

[footprints]

Well the fire place is missing!
There has been a gas fire and backboiler there before hence the stainless steel liner.
You are just left with the builders opening, a fireplace specialist should be able to install a chair brick and grate. The old liner will have to come out with the terminal on the chimney stack. Depending on the condition of the flue you may need to fit a new suitable liner. You will need a standard chimney pot fitted too.
Not a cheap fix though.

 

[Tigercubrider]

That looks like a 70's 80's stone fire place that someone has painted white because most were a grey stone or sometimes pink/yellow
It's all a matter of taste but many people buy repro or original cast iron fireplaces to fit

 

[ivixor]

Do you really need to replace that liner?

 

[Livertonian]

I’m more concerned about all the damp in the chimney breast itself now- the walls feel wet. I don’t know where to start! Thanks for all your help!

 

[cwhaley]

I’m more concerned about all the damp in the chimney breast itself now- the walls feel wet. I don’t know where to start! Thanks for all your help!

If it was sealed up in the house and open at the top (not sure what's on your chimney stack) then water has been getting in (rain) and presumably had nowhere to escape. When I opened up our kitchen fireplace for a 2nd burner it was damp in there and there were lots of brick salts being drawn out. Now it's open and can breathe I've not had issues.

I'd be really interested in seeing pictures of the oven you've discovered -- excellent piece of house history.