I have a late Victorian fireplace with the typical cast iron panels to each side of the fireplace; containing decorative tiles. At some time in the recent past, probably less than fifty years ago, the insensitive owner installed a gas fire in this. The gas fire is no longer there, but the supports that it was installed on are. I am now trying to remove these and restore the fireplace to its former glory.
It would appear that these supports were glued onto the Victorian structure rather than bolted on. The glue is black, rubbery rather than brittle, but still very adhesive and it is proving difficult to separate the gas fire support structure. I do not want to damage the Victorian structure.
I am wondering if there is some possible solvent that can loosen or dissolve this adhesive. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.