Antique Oval Giltwood Mirror 19th Century

Name: Oval Giltwood Mirror
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1235989
Price: 1580 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectWall Mirrors
Period19th century
StyleFrench Chateau
MaterialGiltwood, Glass, Mirror Plate
ColourGold
MotifsOval frame, Moulded border, Gold leaf gilding
SizeH 103 cm (41 in) x W 84 cm (33 in) x D 4 cm (2 in)

This handsome large oval mirror dates from 1880 in the French Chateau style. It has a finely moulded giltwood frame decorated with repeating foliate detail, a beaded inner border, and soft gold leaf gilding over timber. The softly aged gilding, lightly foxed plate, and subtle wear show plenty of character, while the simple oval form makes it easy to place in both traditional and more contemporary interiors. The overall dimensions measure 103 cm high, 84 cm wide, and 4 cm deep. Today, this piece serves as a striking focal point above the mantel in a living room, dining room, or bedroom. The vertical orientation and classic design suit hallway walls or entryways, reflecting light to brighten the surrounding space. The neutral gold finish complements various interior colour schemes, while the generous proportions make it a practical and decorative addition to domestic interiors.

FAQs

An oval giltwood mirror is a period wall mirror crafted with a wooden frame that has been decorated with gold leaf gilding. Originating prominently in 18th and 19th century Europe, these mirrors were created to brighten rooms by reflecting ambient light while offering classical framing.

Traditional giltwood mirror frames were carved from hardwoods or softwoods such as pine or lime, then coated with gesso, a plaster-like base layer. Thin sheets of gold leaf were subsequently applied over clay bole using water or oil gilding techniques to achieve a reflective metallic finish.

Authentic period giltwood frames often display natural wear patterns where the red or grey clay bole base shows through worn areas of gold leaf. Inspecting the back often reveals hand-cut timber backing boards, original iron mounting hardware, and small surface cracks known as craquelure in the gesso.

An oval giltwood mirror functions effectively as a focal point positioned above a fireplace mantelpiece, dining room sideboard, or hallway console table. Its curved shape softens geometric lines in contemporary rooms, while the warm metallic tones complement neutral backdrops and rich paint colours.

Giltwood finishes are sensitive to water and chemical cleaners, which can dissolve water-gilding or strip delicate gold leaf. Dust the frame gently using a soft, dry camel-hair brush, avoiding liquids, damp cloths, or commercial metal polishes.

Beau Nash Bath

Oval Giltwood Mirror

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