60s fire surround, smash it up?

[Zebra]

So far I have put off making a decision about this fireplace surround. It is from the 60s. I could pull it off and see what the original oak lintel is like underneath, repoint the brickwork and show more of the original structure.
I have hesitated so far because I know there is a viewpoint in conservation ethics that says you shouldn't always strip everything out, that some features from later periods might be worth preserving to show something of the house's history. And to expose all the timber you can is rather a current fashion than truly authentic.
Do you think this fireplace surround - stripped back to bare pine - is worth saving as the only remaining feature from the 1960s makeover? Or should I get the crowbar out? Visitors to the house tend to say that it's rather out of keeping with the look of the rest of the room.

 

[billybuntus]

Why don't you try painting it matt black?

I've certainly seen worse surrounds such as sleepers varnished in 'antique pine'

 

[angrybird]

So far I have put off making a decision about this fireplace surround. It is from the 60s. I could pull it off and see what the original oak lintel is like underneath, repoint the brickwork and show more of the original structure.
I have hesitated so far because I know there is a viewpoint in conservation ethics that says you shouldn't always strip everything out, that some features from later periods might be worth preserving to show something of the house's history. And to expose all the timber you can is rather a current fashion than truly authentic.
Do you think this fireplace surround - stripped back to bare pine - is worth saving as the only remaining feature from the 1960s makeover? Or should I get the crowbar out? Visitors to the house tend to say that it's rather out of keeping with the look of the rest of the room.

if in doubt throw it out!
worked with my ex husband :lol:

 

[JoceAndChris]

My vote is get rid too. It's a surround you'd put round a 60s gas fire, I'd guess, and to my eye just clashes with your smart and fashionable log burner, which doesn't need such a thing.


Will you lime plaster the walls? And limewash in a honey warm dark cream? That would be lovely.

 

[plasticpigeon]

If you like it, keep it!

 

[Gareth Hughes]

Are you sure it's from the 1960s? it looks more "right" to me than something of that period would be. I'd keep it.
Joce is right about plastering though.

 

[88v8]

Othr than being pine, not out of place afai can see. Perhaps it could serve as a pattern for one in oak?

Ivor

 

[angrybird]

Othr than being pine, not out of place afai can see. Perhaps it could serve as a pattern for one in oak?

Ivor

I have seen 17thC fire surrounds very similar to yours but made of Bath stone so maybe someone did put some thought into the style

 

[Zebra]

if in doubt throw it out!
worked with my ex husband :lol:

I'm not too sure we should start applying the philosophy of our burnt-out relationships to our houses. :wink: Or I'd never have bought a house at all.

Will you lime plaster the walls? And limewash in a honey warm dark cream? That would be lovely.

Yes, although perhaps not that wall. The two adjacent walls I will do exactly as you say. That wall I find quite interesting, as there is the remains of an earlier, lower lintel also. I might just repoint that wall really nicely and let it be brick. Then if it seems like all too much exposed brick, I can always lime plaster it after all.

If you like it, keep it!

I actually don't like it. I was just wondering from a conservation point of view.

Are you sure it's from the 1960s? it looks more "right" to me than something of that period would be.

I would definately say so as it's very much in keeping with everything else they did in the 60s.
Hmm, thanks for your views. So the score at the moment is Keep - 3; Get Rid - 2.

 

[Feltwell]

Personally, I think it looks OK - I too wouldn't be quite so sure that it is definitely 1960's.

 

[Lime]

It's nothing like the 60s that I've ever seen.

 

[LadyArowana]

I don't dislike it either, once you have a lovely clock and some elephants on the mantle shelf it will be much improved.

 

[FamilyWiggs]

To my untutored eye, its proportions and elegance don't look 60s. I rusher like its simplicity. Unless it is hiding something lovelier underneath, I'd be incline to keep it.

Could we haves close up, and also a wider shot of that wall?

 

[FamilyWiggs]

What does Henry say?

 

[CliffordPope]

I think it's not that bad, in fact rather nice, on reflection.
The problem is that you cannot do an authentic "restoration", because as you suggest, a house evolves and different features come and go.

A purist might say that the log-burner is the sore thumb. Ghastly early 21st century affectation.

I'd be tempted to leave it and paint it in faux black marble.

 

[Owain]

I don't dislike it either, once you have a lovely clock and some elephants on the mantle shelf it will be much improved.

I think a vase of twigs would set it off nicely.

 

[LadyArowana]

I think a vase of twigs would set it off nicely.

Twigs are very expensive, although these seem to be period property appropriate as they use lime http://www.selfridges.com/en/Beauty...Basil-Mandarin-diffuser_701-10020-PRODL2W501/

 

[another_richard]

If you can take it off in one piece, take it off.

Then let it free stand in the middle of the room as you go about you merry day.

If after 24 hours it has fallen over (and / or broken) then you will have your answer.

 

[wobs]

What does Henry think about it?

 

[angrybird]

Think about a few months time.... when the fire is lit and your all cosy and warm, you are both sitting there with you with your G&T and Henry is sitting in his smoking jacket with a nice single malt! would you both be happy looking at that fire surround or not?