Giltwood Overmantel Mirror 19th Century

Name: Elegant Giltwood Overmantle Mirror with Decorative Pediment C 1880
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1193054
Price: 875 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectOvermantel Mirrors
Period19th century
StyleVictorian
MaterialGiltwood, Glass, Gesso
ColourGold
MotifsCherub pediment, Laurel wreath swag, Beaded moulding, Scroll ears
SizeH 127 cm (50 in) x W 110 cm (43 in)

This Victorian overmantle mirror dates to approximately 1880, constructed from giltwood and gesso in a gold finish. The design incorporates an arched inner frame, carved scroll ears at the base, beaded mouldings, and a decorative pediment centred on a sculpted cherub figure flanked by laurel wreath swags. The original bevelled mirror plate shows slight foxing to the top left-hand corner. Dimensions measure 127 cm high by 110 cm wide. Suitable for placement above a mantelpiece in a principal reception room or hallway, this piece provides a classic focal point while reflecting light into the interior space. The heavy gilt frame rests securely on the floor or a support surface during placement, integrating seamlessly with traditional period schemes.

FAQs

An overmantel mirror is an architectural glass mirror designed to sit directly above a hearth or fireplace mantelpiece, reaching prominence during the Victorian era. These mirrors were crafted to reflect ambient light from candles and gas lamps while filling the large proportions of a formal chimney breast.

Frames were typically constructed from pine or lime wood, layered with gessoa chalk and glue mixtureand moulded with decorative plaster ornamentation. Gold leaf was then applied using water gilding or oil gilding techniques over a coloured clay bole foundation.

Authentic period examples often display age-related oxidation or foxing on the glass plate, hand-hewn wooden backing boards, and visible wear exposing the underlying red or grey clay bole beneath thin layers of leaf gold.

A gilded overmantel mirror functions as a central focal point when positioned above a fireplace mantel, or placed atop a contemporary console table to contrast traditional ornamentation against minimalist decor.

Gilded finishes should be dusted gently using a soft feather duster or dry artists brush, avoiding all liquid cleaners, water, or commercial polish which dissolve original water gilding and damage delicate gesso.

Junk Antiques & Interiors

Elegant Giltwood Overmantle Mirror with Decorative Pediment C 1880

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