details for Georgian fireplace

[ljn]

Hello all. Apologies for the long absence.
After 90 % finishing my last project I needed a break from any talk of cracks, damp, crumbling lime etc.

Anyway, heres My question:

Is there a joinery supplier that sells details similar to the ones in the picture?

 

[d49xc]

The decorations used of George fireplaces from this time will most likely be by applied "composition mouldings" rather than plaster, papie machie or wood: It is known as "Compo"
I'm not too sure of how Compo is made - I'm sure others will enlighten us.

You are unlikely to find mouldings of this quality available from 'run of the mill' joinery/moulding suppliers as part of their standard offerings today : there is simply not the market for it.
It can be done. For an example of high quality reproduction Adam style wooden fireplaces using composition mouldings for decoration see
http://www.thistleandrose.co.uk/fireplaces/facsimile-fireplaces
I'm not sure of the prices (subject to individual agreement one suspects) - but probably cheaper than picking up a genuine Georgian decorative fireplace from an auction/Salvage house (£30k+).
Whether they would be prepared to sell you any of their composition moulding output as used on their fireplaces on an individual basis I don't know - but worth investigating.

Failing that you need to look as the existing fibrous plaster suppliers (the top quality ones) who would certainly do Compo mouldings - but only as part of their bespoke service/side of the business. As such the mouldings would be made on an individual basis with the hourly rate to go with such individual work: not cheap and not quick
Google George Jackson & Sons for example
Many of these high quality plastering firms will not be obviously advertising to the public as they will be quietly working for very wealthy clients through architects.

I would be interested for myself in the future as to whether you manage to find anyone suitable

 

[Moo]

It would be helpful if you could give us a clue about what you need it for.
If it's needed to repair a section of something, the simplest solution might be to take an impression* and cast a replica.


*Nigel Watts is your man for advice on this (and lots of other skilful things...)

 

[Penners]

If you google "plaster mouldings" you'll find lots of suppliers. Here's an example: http://www.simplymouldings.co.uk/

Ditto "wood mouldings". Here's an example: http://www.dresser.uk.com/

And here's a company that I used to order from regularly (on a company-to-company basis): http://www.wintherbrowne.co.uk/index.php/carvings-mouldings

 

[ljn]

Thanks for the tips.
I wondered if I could make a replica fireplace. The houses next door have the originals (as in the photo) Apart from the details that are stuck on, they are pretty simple pieces.
Although they come up on ebay quite cheep, it is difficult to get an original that is the right style and size.
I bought one for £100 but it is just that bit too big and the details are that bit wrong that it looks out of place. So that is going back to ebay or to a reclaimer.

 

[Penners]

I wondered if I could make a replica fireplace. The houses next door have the originals (as in the photo) Apart from the details that are stuck on, they are pretty simple pieces.

There's no reason why you can't create a replica. Particularly if you use your neighbours' examples as patterns.

Alternatively, you might find it useful to have a reference book (for this and other projects in your house). The Georgian Group have a good selection, and their Book of the Georgian House has been well spoken of on this forum before. It's the first one on this web page:

http://www.georgiangroup.org.uk/docs/pub/index.php?id=7:27:0:0

By the way, Joce might be interested in things that go cheep on ebay. :wink:

 

[d49xc]

Ah, you are wanting to make a replica....from an existing original that you have access to - much easier.
You can take moulds from the orginal decorations in silicone (can't remember the grade to take moulds off exisiting vertically mounted non removable master patterns - standard silicone mould stuff is pourable)
Then you can re-cast the decorations in plaster.
The rest of the fireplace can be made up from pine - whch indeed any joinery firm should be capable of or indeed youself if you have the necessary woodworking skills.

Do remember to comply with the building regulations in respect of the distance of combustible things (ie the fire surround) from the actual fire - the dimensions/clearances of the Georgian original may not meet current regs in this respect.