The Company
We undertake confidential consultancy work for private and corporate clients, providing our opinion as to the age, date and comments on previous restorations of specific chimney-pieces. We also undertake insurance valuations, record images, and can advise on suitable period replacements for listed buildings.

In addition there has been a proliferation of modern copies of genuine originals, manufactured both within the EEC and the rest of the world, many of a very high quality, and these reproductions continue to find their way into the antiques market. We have subsequently been involved with the identification of a considerable number of modern forgeries some of which have been acquired for many thousands of pounds.

Our cleaning process predominantly uses non abrasive cleaning agents to dissolve and remove discoloured waxes and grime. However, where elements have suffered mechanical damage or the breakdown of the surface marble and consolidation is required, the restoration process is predominantly effected by hand using abrasives similar to those used for creating the chimney-piece originally.

Great care is taken to ensure that as much of the original integrity or history of the chimney-piece is retained, and thus wear and tear resulting from the use of fenders/fire tools etc is retained together with those minor abrasions and chips.

More substantial repairs are effected in the Georgian manner by the means of cutting in square blocks of matching marble and working these down to match the existing mouldings. More substantial structural repairs require the sourcing of matching marble and reconstructing elements to match. Sourcing such marble can be problematical in that many of the coloured marbles used to create Georgian chimney-pieces are now scarce, but we have extensive stocks of our own and are usually confident of locating supplies of even the rarest marbles from antiquity.

Where chimney-pieces require sections of marble recarved, this is effected by our sculptor working in conjunction with surviving elements using plaster moulds, profiles and scale drawings.

History of the antique fireplace
Antique fireplaces have always been the essence of the English period interior. The popularity of antique fireplaces may have been due to our famously unpredictable weather, but that does not mean they are all English. Indeed, continental antique fireplaces are among the most popular, with the fabulous Baroque and Rococo products of France and Italy among the most sought-after.

Antique fire surrounds
Antique fire surrounds make an excellent focal point for the interior designer. Many period homes lost their interiors completely during the centrally-heated second half of the twentieth century, when so many antique fire surrounds were removed from their original homes. Carefully chosen antique fire surrounds will provide that creative spark to bring character back into a ruthlessly modernized interior.

Antique mantels
Antique mantels are the elegant suits our forebears chose to clothe their otherwise utilitarian fireplaces in. The term “mantel” is a variation of the word “mantle”, meaning cloak or coat, and it is true that the best antique mantels lend style to a room just as a well-cut suit adds style to a man.

Chimneypieces
Chimneypieces are the heart of the home. Well-used chimneypieces become part of the family. Early in the evening as its flames are first kindled its flames leap high and it blazes brightly, accompanying the chatter and conviviality of a pleasant evening in. As the evening strolls on the jumping flames become lazier, receding into a radiant glow, while the entire chimneypiece becomes hot to the touch. As the last person creeps up the stairs to bed, the final embers glimmer in the hearth and the warmth of the chimneypiece is spread around the whole house.

Antique mantelpieces
Antique mantelpieces are somewhere for showing. Clocks, photographs, ornaments, how many people display their most precious memories on an antique mantelpiece? Everyone who has one!

Antique mantelpieces are somewhere for warming. There are very few experiences on a cold day like leaning on a tall antique mantelpiece whilst the fire beneath fiercely roars. The English equivalent of the sauna, being roasted on one side whilst freezing on the other, antique mantelpieces on full song can provide the perfect antidote to being too cold: being too hot!

Antique mantelpieces are somewhere for inspiring. We’ve all read in front of the fire, occasionally glancing up to revolve our thoughts in the changing shapes and shadows of the flames. The depression of dark Winter nights is transfigured into nostalgic reflections by the glowing optimism of the open fire.

Reclaimed fireplaces & Original fireplaces
We specialise in the supply of reclaimed fireplaces. Why settle for new fireplaces when you can get reclaimed fireplaces? Bring character and history into your home with reclaimed fireplaces, these original fireplaces can reinvigorate almost any room, while also providing light and warmth. Reclaimed fireplaces are restored by us to the highest standard, with an unprecedented level of care taken over every part of the restoration of these original fireplaces. We work in conjunction with English Heritage and specialise in Grade I and II listed buildings. We are also a member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen.

Marble Fireplaces

A hand carved marble fireplace from Italy, in statutory white marble and Carrera marble, will bring elegance and beauty to your home. Renaissance London have decorative marble fireplaces from 16th Century, Victorian, and Queen Anne to contemporary designs.

Stone Fireplaces

A new hand carved stone fireplace adds warmth to any room. Renaissance London offers a range of beautiful stone fireplaces and stone mantles. Every piece of stone is unique in pattern and texture, qualities that can only be found in natural materials.

Fireplaces

Renaissance London is one of UK’s foremost restorers and experts in antique fireplaces, specialising in: English marble fireplaces; French and Italian stone fireplaces; Victorian fireplaces and modern architectural fire places.

Mantels

A beautiful fireplace mantel is the centre piece to any room. The mantel creates a unique statement and defines the interior decor. The choice of material ranges from contemporary limestone, fine woods, and cast iron to the most lavish Carrara marble.

Victorian Fireplaces

Renaissance London is a UK based supplier of Victorian fireplaces, Georgian fireplaces and antique cast iron fireplaces. Victorian fireplaces include cast iron, period, modern, stone and marble designs.