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ID #SA1114039
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18th Century George I Gilt-gesso Pier Glass Mirror, Manner of John Belchier
Alexander George Antiques Ltd.
for sale €10,413     $11,303
£8,900
Alexander George Antiques Ltd.

Alexander George Antiques Ltd.

Sellingantiques Verified Since Aug 2019
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    Offering carefully selected antique masterpieces from the 17th & 18th centuries
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18th Century George I Gilt-gesso Pier Glass Mirror, Manner of John Belchier

18th century
Description

A Rare George I Gilt-Gesso Pier Glass Mirror, Circa 1725. England.

In the Manner of John Belchier

The mirror has an elaborately carved gilt-gesso frame, which was a hallmark of luxury during the 18th century.

Divided by arched rectangular, softly bevelled mirror plates, the design is set within a gadrooned and foliate-carved border, crowned by an ornate cresting. At the centre, a finely worked pagoda shell and acanthus motif takes prominence, flanked by exquisitely crafted eagles and scrolling foliage. Below, a punch-decorated carved frieze adds further detail and elegance to the composition.

The shape is elongated, suggesting it was designed to be a pier mirror placed between two windows or above a console table.

This piece dates to the first quarter of the 18th century and reflects transitional influences from Queen Anne to Georgian styles.

The shell and scrollwork are typical of early Rococo design, which flourished in the mid-18th century.

Pier mirrors became increasingly popular in 18th-century England and France as glass-making technology advanced. They symbolized opulence and were often found in homes of the wealthy gentry and aristocracy. The gilded details reflect the craftsmanship of skilled artisans who specialized in hand-carved woodwork, cut gesso and gilding techniques such as John Belchier,

John Belchier

‘The Sun’, south side of St Paul's Churchyard, London; cabinet maker (fl.1699-d. 1753).

Provenance: Norman Adams, Private collection, Dorset UK

Enquire for dimensions.

Declaration

Alexander George Antiques Ltd. has dated this George I Pier Glass to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1114039
Dealers Notes

Whether you are a collector or a first-time buyer the choice of pieces will inspire. Each has been carefully selected for its exceptional design and provenance, as well as in many instances its academic significance.

Originality and authenticity are paramount; and using our extensive knowledge and experience in furniture conservation and restoration we can ensure that our clients can buy with absolute confidence.

Description
A Rare George I Gilt-Gesso Pier Glass Mirror, Circa 1725. England.

In the Manner of John Belchier

The mirror has an elaborately carved gilt-gesso frame, which was a hallmark of luxury during the 18th century.
Alexander George Antiques Ltd.
fig 1. An 18th-century George I tall narrow pier glass mirror featuring a carved gilt-gesso frame topped with a scallop shell cresting and twin eagle heads.
fig 1. 18th Century George I Gilt-gesso Pier Glass Mirror, Manner of John Belchier

Divided by arched rectangular, softly bevelled mirror plates, the design is set within a gadrooned and foliate-carved border, crowned by an ornate cresting. At the centre, a finely worked pagoda shell and acanthus motif takes prominence, flanked by exquisitely crafted eagles and scrolling foliage. Below, a punch-decorated carved frieze adds further detail and elegance to the composition.

fig 2. An 18th-century George I tall narrow pier glass mirror featuring a carved gilt-gesso frame topped with a scallop shell cresting and twin eagle heads.
fig 2. 18th Century George I Gilt-gesso Pier Glass Mirror, Manner of John Belchier

The shape is elongated, suggesting it was designed to be a pier mirror placed between two windows or above a console table.

This piece dates to the first quarter of the 18th century and reflects transitional influences from Queen Anne to Georgian styles.

fig 3. An 18th-century George I tall narrow pier glass mirror featuring a carved gilt-gesso frame topped with a scallop shell cresting and twin eagle heads.
fig 3. 18th Century George I Gilt-gesso Pier Glass Mirror, Manner of John Belchier

The shell and scrollwork are typical of early Rococo design, which flourished in the mid-18th century.

Pier mirrors became increasingly popular in 18th-century England and France as glass-making technology advanced. They symbolized opulence and were often found in homes of the wealthy gentry and aristocracy. The gilded details reflect the craftsmanship of skilled artisans who specialized in hand-carved woodwork, cut gesso and gilding techniques such as John Belchier,

John Belchier

‘The Sun’, south side of St Paul's Churchyard, London; cabinet maker (fl.1699-d. 1753).

Provenance: Norman Adams, Private collection, Dorset UK

Enquire for dimensions.

Date of Manufacture

Alexander George Antiques Ltd. has dated this George I Pier Glass to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1114039
Alexander George Antiques Ltd.
Alexander George Antiques Ltd.
Sellingantiques verified Since Aug 2019

Offering carefully selected antique masterpieces from the 17th & 18th centuries

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Alexander George Antiques Ltd. Profile Page

Trade Associations

Alexander George Antiques Ltd. is a registered member of LAPADA 

Relevant Links
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SAVE
An 18th-century George I tall narrow pier glass mirror featuring a carved gilt-gesso frame topped with a scallop shell cresting and twin eagle heads.
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Archive I An 18th-century George I tall narrow pier glass mirror featuring a carved gilt-gesso frame topped with a scallop shell cresting and twin eagle heads.

18th Century George I Gilt-gesso Pier Glass Mirror, Manner of John Belchier

Archive II An 18th-century George I tall narrow pier glass mirror featuring a carved gilt-gesso frame topped with a scallop shell cresting and twin eagle heads. View II
Archive III An 18th-century George I tall narrow pier glass mirror featuring a carved gilt-gesso frame topped with a scallop shell cresting and twin eagle heads. View III
Archive IV An 18th-century George I tall narrow pier glass mirror featuring a carved gilt-gesso frame topped with a scallop shell cresting and twin eagle heads. View IV
Archive V An 18th-century George I tall narrow pier glass mirror featuring a carved gilt-gesso frame topped with a scallop shell cresting and twin eagle heads. View V
Archive VI An 18th-century George I tall narrow pier glass mirror featuring a carved gilt-gesso frame topped with a scallop shell cresting and twin eagle heads. View VI
Archive VII An 18th-century George I tall narrow pier glass mirror featuring a carved gilt-gesso frame topped with a scallop shell cresting and twin eagle heads. View VII
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Telephone 07787 536199
Location
Buscot Manor
Buscot
Oxfordshire
SN7 8DA
United Kingdom

By appointment only.
Verified Since Aug 2019
Items For Sale 93
Items Sold 231
Alexander George Antiques Ltd.
Alexander George Antiques Ltd.
Verified Since Aug 2019
View Dealer Info
Location: Buscot Manor, Buscot, Oxfordshire, SN7 8DA, United Kingdom, , By appointment only.
Verified
Aug 2019
For Sale
93
Sold
231
An 18th-century George I tall narrow pier glass mirror featuring a carved gilt-gesso frame topped with a scallop shell cresting and twin eagle heads.
18th Century George I Gilt-Gesso Pier Glass mirror, Manner of John Belchier
Ref: SA1114039
An 18th-century George I tall narrow pier glass mirror featuring a carved gilt-gesso frame topped with a scallop shell cresting and twin eagle heads.
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Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.
Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.
Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

Originating in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, a pier glass was specifically proportioned to hang on the wall pier between windows. Designed to reflect light into rooms illuminated primarily by candlelight, these mirrors became central architectural statements during the George I period.

Frames from this period were crafted from softwoods carved in low relief and overlaid with gesso prior to water-gilding. Mirror plates were made using blown cylinder glass, often created in two sections due to size constraints, and secured with wooden backboards.

Authentic pieces display signs of age such as fine craquelure in the gesso, gentle oxidisation or foxing on the silvered plate, and hand-carved joinery on the wooden backboard. Two-part plates with shallow bevels are also indicative of period construction.

A gilt pier glass creates a striking focal point when hung in an entryway, above a console table, or positioned in a narrow hallway. Its detailed cresting contrasts effectively against contemporary minimalist paint palettes and modern furnishings.

Dust the frame gently using a soft, dry camel-hair brush, avoiding water or chemical cleaners which dissolve original gesso and gilding. Clean the glass plate separately using a damp cloth, ensuring no liquid touches the surrounding gilded frame.
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