Antique Mirrors

For the past few centuries, mirrors have been one of the focal points of the home and are considered an essential home furnishing by many top interior designers. Mirrors are integral to everyday life, a British study in 2015 suggested that men check their appearance an average of 23 times per day and women 16 times. Not only does the mirror serve a purpose but it also has the ability to transform a room and can easily alter the ambiance giving a feeling of greater space and depth.

 

 

A Brief History of the Mirror

As soon as early man saw a reflection in dark rock pools and rivers, the race was on to capture the image using more concrete materials.  The first known mirrors were discovered in Turkey 6000 years ago, and were made from polished stone or volcanic glass obsidian.  Ancient civilisations, such as the Egyptians, fashioned mirrors from polished copper and other rare metals.  Similar items found in Central America dating back 2000 years BC.  By the first century AD, the Phoenicians were producing glass fronted mirrors backed with polished alloys, while the Romans favoured blown glass backed with lead.  Along with their rarity, superstition and legend are part of their story, for many believe that a mirror could capture the souls of those looking into it. 

The Romans were convinced that a broken mirror destroyed the soul for seven years, this being the natural span of time for the soul to regenerate itself.  It was thought that if a dying person gazed into a mirror, the spirit was locked into it.  For that reason, mirrors were draped with cloth to cover them whenever a person in the household had just died.  The superstition has persisted to this day among many rural communities in parts of Europe. 

The first mirrors were decorative, luxury items which were made in Venice in the Sixteenth Century and shortly after in France.  They were hugely expensive and regarded as a status symbol, used not only for practical purposes but to enhance the lavish decoration of the great houses and palaces of nobility, a notable example being the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles. 

In 1835, Justus Von Leibig- a German scientist, invented a process whereby a thin layer of silver nitrate could be applied to glass.  This revolutionised the mirror making industry and instantly the commercial mirror was available to everyone at affordable prices. 

Mirrors remain popular items of home furnishing for the same purpose it has served throughout history – its practical value for us to see ourselves when checking our appearance.  In a much wider context, as a decorative feature which will enhance the style of a room, increasing a sense of light, space and even introducing a touch of glamour. 

 

The Different Types of Antique Mirror

Gothic Mirrors

Gothic Mirrors relate to the 12th – 16th Century and are sometimes known as Medieval Gothic, revival in 19th century is also known as Victorian Gothic.  Common stylistic characteristics include pointed arches at the top, typically dark wood frames and ornate carving.

Baroque

Baroque Mirrors are from the 17th century and common characteristics include an oval shaped style, frames typically made from Oak or Walnut, frames often gilded with gold and silver and less ornate carvings than the Gothic style.

Rococo

The Rococo styled mirror arrived in the early to mid 18thC.  The style was a rectangular or oval shape with a flat base, gilded gold and carvings at the top of the frames, which were often walnut or mahogany with the carvings often of flowers.    

Georgian (1714 – 1837)

Georgian styled mirrors are often rectangular shaped with emphasised symmetry and a paler style colour compared to earlier models of mirrors.

Regency (1811 – 1820)

The Regency period led to mirrors designed with oval shapes and narrow frames.  Mahogany food frames were preferred, as were gold gilded.  Elaborate carvings with typically floral design or leaf motifs were often applied.   

Victorian (1837 – 1901)

Victorian Mirrors consisted of contrasting designs, mirrors were either dark wood or white with ornate and heavy designs with inspiration often taken from Gothic inspired forms. 

Edwardian (1901- 1910)

The Edwardian style mirrors from the early 20thC were characterised by a delicate style and similarly delicate colours.  The style drew upon different elements and characteristics of earlier styles from past eras.    

Art Nouveau (1890 – 1910)

The characteristics of Mirrors from the Art Nouveau period include sinuous lines, swirling designs and nature inspired motifs.  Pewter frames were common, as were black lacquered frames.  Stained glass was often used to add a delicate finish to the Art Nouveau variety of mirrors.