What is mercury glass?

Mercury glass refers to mirrors manufactured using a mercury amalgam technique before modern silvering processes took over. This method produces a warm, uneven reflection that ages distinctively. Over decades, the chemical composition reacts with air and moisture, creating the characteristic dark spots known as foxing.

How do I clean an antique mirror?

Cleaning requires a soft, dry microfibre cloth to gently remove dust from both the frame and the glass plate. Avoid commercial liquid cleaners, as moisture can seep behind the silvering. Take particular care around areas of foxed glass or fragile giltwood, where vigorous rubbing might remove the historic finish entirely.

Can I hang a heavy overmantel mirror?

Hanging a heavy overmantel mirror safely requires securing the weight directly into wall studs or masonry using appropriate fixings. Professional installation is strongly recommended for large giltwood pieces. The substantial timber frames and thick glass plates add considerable weight that standard picture hooks cannot support.

What makes a mirror French or English?

French mirrors often feature elaborate giltwood rococo or Louis-style frames with distinct crests, frequently utilising mercury glass plates. English examples tend to show restrained Victorian, Georgian, or Edwardian aesthetics. Construction woods also offer clues, with oak and walnut common in British workshops, while continental makers frequently employed softwoods beneath heavy gesso.