Can a cloudy mirror be fixed?

Re-silvering is possible. It involves stripping the old backing and applying a new chemical layer. Most dealers advise against it. The original mercury plate holds much of the character.

I have this large gilded mirror that my grandmother left me, and the gold is flaking off at the bottom edges, should I paint it over?

Never use gold paint. It oxidises over time and turns a flat, dull brown. Professional restorers can consolidate the flaking gesso with rabbit skin glue. They then apply matched gold leaf to the missing areas. Leave it as it is if you can't find a gilder.

How heavy are large overmantels?

They're very heavy. The plate glass in Victorian mirrors is thick. The wooden carcase and plaster composition add significant mass. Always use proper heavy-duty wall anchors. Don't rely on standard picture hooks.

When I look at the back of the mirror there are wooden planks nailed in, does this mean it has been tampered with?

Pine backboards are standard. They protect the delicate metallic backing from scratches and damp. Look at the nails holding them in place. Square-cut iron nails with dark rust stains suggest the boards have been there since the nineteenth century. Wire nails indicate later repairs.

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Victorian Mirrors in East of England

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Victorian mirrors range from massive gilded overmantels designed to amplify gaslight in affluent parlours to simple mahogany dressing glasses made for practical morning routines.