Leeds Antiques has dated this Chippendale Fretwork Wall Mirror to the 18th Century.
The timber displays the characteristic fine, closed grain and warm honeyed oxidisation associated with long-settled 18th-century sycamore. The elegant rococo outline follows designs published in Thomas Chippendale’s The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker’s Director (1750s–60s), with pierced cresting centred by a circular cartouche, flanking scrolls, and a shaped apron. The proportions and construction compare closely with provincial examples illustrated by Christopher Gilbert in The Life and Work of Thomas Chippendale (1978), particularly those showing similar veneered surrounds and gilt slips.
The original 18th-century mercury-backed mirror plate is retained, showing gentle waviness and light, attractive speckling. The gilt inner slip is formed over gesso and bole, with naturally worn high points. The veneers show small historic repairs, age-related shrinkage, and surface undulations typical of period construction in thin maple or sycamore veneer laid over shaped timber groundwork.
A scarce small-format rococo mirror of refined outline, uncommon timber choice, and considerable decorative appeal.
Dimensions (approximate):
Frame: 68.5 × 37.5 cm (27 × 14 3/4 in)
Visible plate: 39.5 × 24 cm (15 1/2 × 9 1/2 in)
Condition:
Structurally sound and in good period order.
Retains its original 18th-century mirror plate, lightly speckled with the soft irregularities expected of early mercury-backed glass.
The gilt gesso slip shows honest wear and small losses appropriate to age.
Veneers with minor historic repairs, natural shrinkage lines, and gentle undulations consistent with sycamore or related fruitwoods used as thin veneers on rococo-form frames.
Critically, the backboards are original, showing authentic 18th-century characteristics including natural oxidisation, early hand-tool marks, and period surface textures. Their presence confirms the mirror’s integrity and long-settled structure.
Cleaned and waxed; ready to hang. As with all genuine Georgian mirrors, subtle evidence of age contributes to its charm and character.
Leeds Antiques has dated this Chippendale Fretwork Wall Mirror to the 18th Century.
Second-generation antique dealer specialising in carefully sourced 17th–20th-century furniture and décor, chosen for quality and character.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Leeds Antiques Profile Page
18th Century Chippendale-period Sycamore Rococo Small Fretwork Mirror with Gilt Slip, Circa 1760–1780 (Georgian, George Iii)
