Victorian Slate Fire Surround Removal ?

[Rake722]

Hi all, I managed to save a large slate surround from the skip today. The only caveat is that I have to remove it myself. The house is being unsympathetically renovated and this beauty was destined for breaking up and skipping.

It’s a typical surround with slate mantel breast piece and columns

Any advice on how to remove it without damaging it would be gratefully appreciated

Thank you

 

[Cubist]

A photo may be helpful but in the meantime, and if at all possible, it may be sensible to remove some of the plaster(?) around the perimeter of surround. Inner perimeter too if that's exposed. Purpose being to reveal any metal fixing brackets that may have been used to pin the components to the wall. If you cannot find any then you may then be able to lift of the the front edge of the shelf to free it from any locating rebate while pulling it firmly toward you. The lower element of the mantle may simply sit in a rebate behind the two columns and again it may be possible to simply lift it out. The columns themselves may be attached to pegs or pins cemented into the rear face of the columns and the wall. Some 'teasing' may be required to get these moving a little before you can lift the columns out but be careful, sometimes such columns were manufactured in discrete sections and held together with the equivalent of a tile adhesive - best to start at the top and work down to avoid surprises.

 

[Rake722]

A photo may be helpful but in the meantime, and if at all possible, it may be sensible to remove some of the plaster(?) around the perimeter of surround. Inner perimeter too if that's exposed. Purpose being to reveal any metal fixing brackets that may have been used to pin the components to the wall. If you cannot find any then you may then be able to lift of the the front edge of the shelf to free it from any locating rebate while pulling it firmly toward you. The lower element of the mantle may simply sit in a rebate behind the two columns and again it may be possible to simply lift it out. The columns themselves may be attached to pegs or pins cemented into the rear face of the columns and the wall. Some 'teasing' may be required to get these moving a little before you can lift the columns out but be careful, sometimes such columns were manufactured in discrete sections and held together with the equivalent of a tile adhesive - best to start at the top and work down to avoid surprises.

Thank you, cubist.
I have added an image. My plan was to either use an angle grinder or a bolster to expose an inch worth of brick all around the perimeter. I know that these are held together with Plaster of Paris, but I’ve never had to disassemble one so I don’t know how well adhered they are.