How do I clean an antique silver gilt frame?

Dust the surface gently using a soft, dry brush without applying moisture or proprietary metal cleaners. Liquid polishes strip away the delicate metallic leaf layers. Keep the frame away from direct sunlight and damp environments to protect the underlying gesso and wood from cracking or lifting.

Are these frames original to the paintings or mirrors they hold?

Many frames remain paired with their original mirrors, panels or canvases, particularly in seventeenth and eighteenth-century examples. Certain pieces show later pairings where the frame and artwork were united during a past period. Examine the rebates and fixings at the back for clues regarding the longevity of the association between frame and contents.

How can I tell a nineteenth-century revival frame from an earlier piece?

Nineteenth-century revival pieces often display machine-tooled precision in their gesso moulding and brighter, more uniform metallic leaf applications. Earlier seventeenth and eighteenth-century frames typically exhibit hand-carved irregularities and deeper patination. Inspect the wood species and the composition of the gesso ground using a magnifier to understand the manufacturing period.

Where should I hang a large overmantle mirror?

These mirrors suit principal reception rooms and hallways where their reflective qualities enhance natural light and spatial depth. Ensure the wall structure and fixings safely support the considerable weight of carved wood and glass. Position the piece at a height that complements existing furniture proportions rather than dominating the entire wall space.