Victorian Arched Overmantel Mirror 19th Century

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectWall Mirrors
Period19th century
StyleVictorian
MaterialWood, Gesso, Glass, Gold Leaf
ColourGold
MotifsArched top, Moulded profile, Side spur feet
SizeH 137 cm (54 in) x W 117 cm (46 in) x D 8 cm (3 in)

This Victorian overmantel mirror dates from 1860 and follows a traditional English Country House design. The structure consists of wood and gesso finished in gold leaf, framing an arched top with a moulded profile and small side spur feet. The visible surface displays foxing spots and weathering across the glass plate, alongside wear to the gilded finish on the wooden framework. Measuring 137 cm high, 117 cm wide, and 8 cm deep, the piece retains its original mirror plate and backboards. Homeowners today position this mirror above the mantel in a principal reception room to reflect natural light and create a sense of space.

FAQs

An overmantel mirror is designed specifically to sit directly above a fireplace mantelpiece. Arched top designs gained significant popularity during the 19th century, offering curved lines to balance the straight architectural angles of traditional hearth surrounds.

These mirrors typically feature a hand-carved pine or softwood frame coated in gesso, a plaster-like mixture, which was then water-gilded with gold leaf. The back usually consists of hand-sawn timber backing boards securing a silvered or mercury-amalgam glass plate.

Authentic pieces exhibit natural signs of age, such as subtle foxing or dark spotting on the mirror glass, fine cracking in the gesso layer, and gentle wear where the red clay bole shows beneath the gold leaf. The reverse typically shows aged wooden backing boards with historic oxidisation.

Position the mirror above a fireplace mantelpiece to serve as a central focal point and bounce natural light throughout the room. Alternatively, it can be mounted above a hallway console table to add visual depth and architectural interest.

Dust the gilded frame gently using a dry, soft microfibre cloth or feather duster, avoiding water or chemical polish which can dissolve historic gesso. Clean the mirror plate by spraying glass cleaner directly onto a cloth rather than the glass to prevent liquid seeping behind the frame.

Cleall Antiques

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

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