Victorian Gilt Overmantel Mirror 19th Century

Name: Victorian Gilt Large Arch Top Overmantle Mirror
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1172953
Price: 1450 GBP
Availability: SoldOut

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectOvermantel Mirrors
Period19th century
StyleVictorian
MaterialGiltwood, Gesso, Glass
ColourGold
MotifsArched frame, Acanthus scroll brackets, Moulded rim, Flat base
SizeH 92.5 cm (36 in) x W 141 cm (56 in) x D 7 cm (3 in)

This Victorian overmantle mirror dates to 1870 and displays an English Country House style. The piece is constructed from giltwood, gesso and glass, and presents a bright gold finish. The design incorporates a low arched frame with a moulded rim, a flat base, and ornate acanthus scroll brackets at the lower corners, alongside a wooden panelled back and general deterioration to the mercury mirror plate with a significant area to the left side. The item measures 92.5 cm high, 141 cm wide at the base, and 7 cm deep, with a frame width of 126 cm. In a contemporary home, this mirror is intended for placement directly above the mantel in a living room, dining room or bedroom. The substantial proportions and reflective surface help to bounce light around a room while adding a traditional decorative focal point to a chimney breast. It stands securely on its flat base against a wall surface.

FAQs

Victorian overmantel mirrors became prominent in nineteenth-century interiors as central decorative elements designed specifically to sit directly above fireplace hearths. Their gently curved arches were crafted to complement the architectural proportions of traditional chimney breasts and heighten the reflection of light from gas lamps and candles.

These frames were constructed using pine or softwood bases, layered with composition moulding or gesso plaster to shape decorative relief details. Water gilding or oil gilding was then applied using genuine gold leaf over a prepared clay base known as bole.

Authentic pieces feature original mercury or silvered glass showing minor foxing or oxidisation, hand-carved or moulded gesso detailing on wooden backing boards, and natural crazing across the gilded finish consistent with historic age.

Position the mirror centrally above a fireplace mantelpiece, dining room sideboard, or hallway console table to create a focal point. Combining classical gilded proportions with modern neutral paintwork allows the architectural silhouette to stand out effectively.

Dust the gilded gesso frame gently using a clean, soft feather duster, avoiding water or chemical cleaning products which can erode original gold leaf. Glass cleaner should be sprayed onto a microfibre cloth rather than directly onto the mirror to prevent liquid seeping behind the frame.

Lorna Byskou

Victorian Gilt Large Arch Top Overmantle Mirror