A cast iron fireplace is a fireplace or fire surround made from molten iron poured into sand moulds, allowing elaborate decoration to be reproduced cheaply and in quantity. The term covers complete cast surrounds with integral grates, inserts set within marble, stone or timber chimneypieces, and smaller bedroom fireplaces.
Cast iron grates and firebacks have a long history, but the cast iron fireplace became ubiquitous in Britain during the nineteenth century, as industrial foundries such as Carron in Scotland and Coalbrookdale in Shropshire supplied designs for every kind of house. Coal burning encouraged smaller, more efficient register grates with adjustable flue plates, and by the late Victorian and Edwardian periods tiled inserts with decorative ceramic panels on either side of the grate were extremely popular, alongside Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts designs. Fireplaces were often finished with black lead polish, while some had bright steel or brass details. Original examples in good condition are widely sought for restoring period homes, and buyers should check for cracks, especially at corners and across the grate area, missing parts and damaged tiles. Any fireplace intended for use should be checked by a qualified installer.
