Where should I hang a large overmantle mirror?

These pieces traditionally sit directly above a fireplace mantelpiece, where their expansive proportions reflect light and anchor the room's central axis. They also function effectively along a major expanse of wall in a reception room. Ensure the wall construction and fixings can support the substantial weight of carved wood, gesso and thick glass plates.

How do I clean an antique gilded frame?

Dust the ornate carved surfaces gently using a very soft, dry brush to prevent dislodging delicate sections of gesso and gold leaf. Avoid liquid cleaners, household sprays and abrasive cloths entirely. Moisture can penetrate historic gilt layers and cause the underlying plaster to soften or flake away from the wood.

What causes dark spots on antique mirror glass?

The spots, known as foxing, develop when air and moisture slowly react with the silver or mercury backing behind the glass over decades. This natural oxidation process creates a characteristic speckled pattern unique to older plates. Many collectors value genuine foxing as proof of high age and untouched authenticity rather than considering it a fault.

How can I tell a Victorian gilt mirror from a Georgian one?

Victorian examples from the mid to late nineteenth century frequently utilise heavier gesso ornamentation combined with deep wooden carcasses and arched or shaped tops. Georgian pieces tend to show leaner proportions and distinct Chippendale or Regency framing conventions. Examining the construction methods at the back of the timber frame often clarifies the period of manufacture.