Victorian Gilt Overmantel Mirror 19th Century

Name: A Delightful Large Antique English 19th Century Carved Wood & Gesso Arched Top Gilt Overmantle Mirror.
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1238063
Price: 995 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
MaterialGilt Wood, Gesso, Glass
ColourGilded Gold
MotifsArched top, Gesso moulding, Carved brackets, Beaded trim
SizeH 132 cm (52 in) x W 122 cm (48 in) x D 7 cm (3 in)

This Victorian overmantle mirror dates from 1860 and is made from carved wood and gesso with a gilded gold finish and clear glass. The frame has an arched top, moulded details, carved brackets, and beaded trim. The wooden frame shows visible signs of age and wear through surface rubbing and minor losses to the gilt finish. Three distinct details visible on the piece include rounded wooden beads along the arch, carved leaf brackets at the base of the uprights, and projecting cornices at the upper corners. Measuring 132 cm high, 122 cm wide, and 7 cm deep, the mirror fits comfortably above a fireplace mantel in a living room, drawing room, or hallway. It functions effectively to reflect light and expand the sense of space in traditional or contemporary interiors.

FAQs

An overmantel mirror is a wide, often arched mirror designed specifically to sit directly above a fireplace mantlepiece. They gained immense popularity in British homes during the 19th century, designed to reflect candlelight and natural daylight, expanding the visual scale of reception rooms.

These mirrors were traditionally constructed using a timber frame faced with molded gesso, a mixture of chalk and glue binder. Decorative elements were hand-carved or molded before application, and finished with gold leaf gilding over a clay bole base.

Authentic period mirrors exhibit hand-carved wooden backing boards, natural cracking or crazing in the gesso plaster finish, and slight foxing or oxidisation on the mirrored glass. The gilding often shows subtle wear where the underlying reddish bole clay becomes visible.

Position the mirror directly above a living room chimney breast or modern sideboard to create a commanding central focal point. Contrast the historic gilded finish against contemporary neutral paint tones or bold dark wall coverings.

Dust the gesso frame gently with a dry, soft-bristle brush, avoiding any water, chemical cleaners, or damp cloths which can dissolve the water-soluble gesso. Clean the mirror glass carefully using a soft cloth lightly dampened with water, ensuring liquid does not seep under the gilded edges.

Cleall Antiques

A Delightful Large Antique English 19th Century Carved Wood & Gesso Arched Top Gilt Overmantle Mirror.