Summary:

• Item: Chippendale Wall Mirror
• Circa: 1910
• Constructed during the Edwardian period
• In the style of Georgian / Chippendale period
• Provenance: England, UK
• Height: 60cm
• Width: 38.5cm
• Rectangular shape
• Fine fretwork walnut banded frame
• “Ho Ho” bird gilt pediment
• Gilded moulded slip
• Classic period styling
• Good quality bevelled mirror
• Excellent condition
• Very pretty design
• Free delivery to England, Wales & southern Scotland*
• 14-day free UK returns policy

Description:

This is a fine quality antique English Chippendale wall mirror, in walnut, incorporating a bevelled mirror and decorated with fine gilt fretwork, constructed during the Edwardian period, circa 1910, in excellent condition.  This Georgian style portrait wall mirror, which is of Chippendale design, is constructed with a walnut frame, decorated with a gilt painted “Ho Ho” bird pediment, flanked by a finely pierced walnut fretwork frame; the design of which is also reflected below the mirror, which was typical of Chippendale symmetrical design.  The frame is set with a good quality bevelled mirror.  The Chippendale wall mirror is bordered by a carved gilded slip and retains the original backboards.  There is a brass hanging loop on the back of the mirror to allow the mirror to be hung on the wall and a white foam strip pad below, to prevent the mirror marking the wall paint.  The walnut wall mirror measures 60cm high by 38.5cm wide.

This small Georgian walnut wall mirror would look superb in most rooms, such as the hallway, living room or bedroom.  It would certainly grace either a contemporary or traditional home and is a great investment, as it is extremely functional.  So, don’t miss out on your chance to own a lovely piece of furniture.

History of Wall Mirrors:

Primitive polished stone mirrors date back to 6,000 BCE and polished copper mirror became common in ancient Egypt from 3,000 BCE onwards and primate mirrors were used by the Romans in the 1^st century AD, coated with lead and gold leaf on the back of the glass.  During the 15^th and 16^th century in Europe (Germany & Venice), glass blowing techniques developed to enable flat pieces of glass to be produced, with the addition of lead glass, for its crystal-clarity and workability.

Throughout the early European Renaissance, fire-gilding techniques developed to produce an even and highly reflective tin coating for glass mirrors.  The date and location of the discovery is unknown, but by the 16th century Venice was a centre of mirror production using this technique.  Venetian mirrors in richly decorated frames served as luxury decorations and a means of reflecting candlelight for palaces throughout Europe, and were very expensive.  For example, in the late seventeenth century, the Countess de Fiesque was reported to have traded an entire wheat farm for a mirror, considering it a bargain.   However, the invention of the ribbon machine, coupled with industrial espionage and the Industrial Revolution, allowed modern glass panes to be produced in bulk in French and English workshops.  Consequently, the price of mirrors fell and were affordable to the masses.

During the 18^th century, cabinetmakers and glaziers were heavily influenced by the famous styles and designs of Thomas Chippendale, who was one of the most famous cabinetmakers of the 18^th century, with fine symmetrical fretwork carving and delicate wooden frames.  They were usually made from mahogany, but others were found in walnut, cherry or maple.  Thomas Chippendale drew inspiration from the earlier European Baroque and Rocco period, which were known for their heavier but ornate and complex shaped gilded mirror frames. The Chippendale style of mirror was replicated throughout the 19^th and early 20^th century, as the design and style was timeless.

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirror#:~:text=Examples%20of%20obsidian%20mirrors%20found,from%20around%202000%20BCE%20onwards.

https://www.westlandlondon.com/articles/view,the-history-of-the-mirror-and-its-evolving-style-through-the-ages_58.asp

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Chippendale

https://invitinghome.com/the-history-of-mirrors/?srsltid=AfmBOoqMmk9ka9vGDdk5bRCtZaw8y15pc7c1pMe1c5lQxLNRJcdOu4cb

Dimensions:

External Height = 60cm / 23⅝” / 1ft 11⅝”
External width = 38.5cm / 15⅛” / 1ft 3⅛”
External Depth = 3cm / 1⅛”
Mirror Height = 35cm / 13¾” / 1ft 1¾”
Mirror Width = 25cm / 9⅞”

Condition Report:

This is a fine quality antique English Chippendale wall mirror, in walnut, incorporating a bevelled mirror and decorated with fine gilt fretwork, constructed during the Edwardian period, circa 1910, in excellent condition.  Nominal old use marks, to the leading edges of the frame, but nothing significant, given the age of the item.  The inset bevelled mirror is in very good condition, with no damage.  The walnut frame, fretwork carvings and gilt detail is all in good original condition.

Terms & Conditions:

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Ref. 109943