How to renovate this antique fireplace

[mrrusty]

Agree with all the above. as @Odds says the odd little wrinkle is part of its history. Any paint you have to hand will be fine to paint the mortar

 

[wannadie]

I'm not sure i'd go much further than you've already done - nice job, btw
It's always tempting to get such things 'good as new' but bear in mind it's a Victorian piece and deserves to keep a hard earned wrinkle or two. If the 'burned pan' material is flaky then gently remove it but otherwise a rub down with a fine scourer should suffice.

Looking good now!

 

[mrrusty]

That looks great. Have you got the grate front? If not it might be an idea to keep an eye out for one - it clips in to the holes on the front of the surround. Or you could just leave it like that and stand something ornate in the fire place. Either way - good job!

 

[Odds]

Looking good now!

That's nice.
Well done you.
How did you go about making it, so?