Where should I hang an overmantel mirror?

These mirrors are traditionally positioned centrally on the wall directly above a fireplace mantelpiece. Their original purpose was to reflect firelight and brighten the room while filling the vertical space below the ceiling. You can also mount them lower down as leaner mirrors directly against the floor if the proportions of the room allow. Ensure the wall fixings are substantial enough to support the considerable weight of the carved wood and glass.

How do I identify a true nineteenth-century piece?

Examine the construction of the frame from the reverse, where older timber shows hand-tool marks and traditional joinery. The gesso and gilding on nineteenth-century examples often display fine craquelure and minor losses consistent with age. Check the mirror plate for signs of age such as foxing, light oxidation, or mercury backing rather than modern uniform reflectivity. Stylistic details like Rococo Revival asymmetry also point clearly to nineteenth-century manufacturing techniques.

What is the difference between giltwood and composition?

Giltwood frames feature hand-carved wooden enrichment where the gold leaf is applied directly over gesso on timber. This method allows for deep, sharp undercut details in the floral scrolls. Composition, or compo, involves moulded putty pressed into shape and applied to a simpler wooden carcass. Compo ornaments feel harder and more uniform under close inspection than hand-carved wood.

How do I care for antique mirror glass?

Clean the glass gently using a soft, dry microfibre cloth to remove dust without disturbing the surrounding gilt surface. Avoid harsh commercial cleaning sprays that can seep behind the edges and damage the silvering or mercury backing. Keep the mirror away from direct dampness and extreme temperature fluctuations to prevent the wooden frame from warping and the gesso from cracking.