Edwardian Fireplaces

Edwardian Fireplaces are UK stockists of original and reproduction Edwardian fireplaces, mantles, tiles and accessories.

We are fireplace manufacturers and make hand-made and hand-dipped fireplace tiles to recreate an authentic look.

Although Edward VII reigned from 1901-1910 the style known as Edwardian covers the period from around 1900 to 1920, after the end of the first World War. It is considered an age of elegance typified by the luxury and opulence of the Titanic.

At the start of the Edwardian Era most fireplaces would still have been composed of a cast iron frame incorporating tilesets on sliders on either side, usually with a painted mantlepiece made from slate, pine or deal. Mahogany and oak mantlepieces were still popular but were never painted.

Smaller cast iron frames known as canopies on legs with larger tiled panels were becoming more popular as were completely tiled inserts made by a technique called slabbing. Pastel tile colours became popular as people left behind the darkness of late Victorian style.

The Art Nouveau style characterised by long curving and undulating lines based on sinuous plant forms often referred to as whiplash lines, was still popular in fireplace design but fell out of favour before World War I. Copper handcrafted fireplace inserts influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement were also often found in larger homes.

The start of World War 1 literally saw the end of the cast iron fireplace industry as such. Factories were co-opted to war work and the falling popularity of black cast iron meant that after the war it never revived. From then on most fireplace inserts were slabbed from tiles.

Taller mantles incorporating mirrors were an innovation of the period and both cast, copper and tiled inserts were put in them. Marble mantles were still popular in grander homes but generally were on the wane.

Email sales@edwardianfires.co.uk

Opening Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: CLOSED

Vesta Works Greg Street
Reddish
Stockport
SK5 7BS
UK

Telephone: (0161) 42 990 42