George II Style Mirror
A george ii style mirror brings architectural symmetry and refined eighteenth-century proportion into any room.
What george ii style mirror pieces are
A george ii style mirror is a decorative wall hanging or pier glass drawing on eighteenth-century design vocabulary, most frequently produced during the Victorian, Edwardian, and late nineteenth or early twentieth-century revival periods. These pieces serve primarily as functional looking glasses and focal points above mantelpieces or console tables.
The versions most commonly met on this page span walnut, mahogany, and giltwood constructions, often incorporating architectural pediments, fretwork scrolls, and parcel-gilding. Makers working in these later revival eras adopted the classic proportions of the earlier Georgian age, resulting in balanced frames suitable for period and contemporary interiors alike.
How they were made
Frames are constructed from cabinet timbers including walnut, burr walnut, and mahogany, frequently enhanced with gesso mouldings and detailed hand-carving. Giltwood examples employ thin layers of gold leaf applied over a prepared gesso and bole ground on a wooden base.
Secondary decorative elements involve parcel-gilding, where selected portions of the wooden frame are highlighted in gold against a dark wood or painted ground. Joinery relies on traditional techniques suited to supporting heavy glass plates within ornate architectural outlines.
Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical UK retail prices for george ii style mirror, calculated from the Sellingantiques database of over a million retail prices indexed since 2003. This retail price guide relies exclusively on Sellingantiques data; no external sources or auction records are used, so the figures do not describe the wider market.
Listings feature walnut, mahogany, and giltwood constructions spanning the Victorian, Edwardian, and early twentieth-century revival periods.
What varies in quality
The standard of a george ii style mirror is determined by the depth and crispness of the carving, particularly around complex elements such as scrolling ears, gilded mouldings, and fretwork panels. Superior examples exhibit hand-carved detail with sharp undercut edges rather than soft, moulded resin or heavy plaster substitutes.
Material selection further distinguishes the range, with figured burr walnut veneers and heavy fire-gilt surfaces standing apart from plain stained hardwoods and flat painted finishes. The integration of period glass plates, bevelled edges, and robust backboards indicates careful workshop production.
The George II Style Mirror Glossary
- Pier glass
- A tall mirror designed specifically to hang on the wall space or pier between two windows. These tall glasses often sat directly above a matching console table.
- Giltwood
- Timber carved and coated with gold leaf applied over a preparation of gesso. This finish creates a reflective, luminous frame surface.
- Parcel-gilt
- Partially gilded woodwork where specific decorative details are highlighted in gold leaf while the remaining surface shows natural timber or paint. It provides a striking contrast in light and tone.
- Fretwork
- Thin wood panels cut through with ornamental patterns using a fretsaw. This technique creates delicate openwork silhouettes on the crests and sides of frames.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I hang a george ii style mirror?
These mirrors suit placement above a principal fireplace mantelpiece or centered over a low sideboard or console table in a reception room.
Their architectural framing and vertical proportions draw the eye upward, making them effective for enhancing the sense of space and light in a room.
How do I date a revival mirror?
Dating relies on examining the construction of the timber backing boards, the composition of the gesso, and the manufacturing characteristics of the mirror plate itself.
Revival pieces from the Victorian and Edwardian eras often show nineteenth or early twentieth-century framing techniques beneath their eighteenth-century stylistic inspiration.
Are these mirrors heavy to hang?
Many examples use dense hardwoods, thick gesso, and heavy glass plates that require secure wall fixings into solid masonry or substantial studwork.
Using appropriate mirror plates and professional hanging hardware ensures the weight of the frame is supported safely.
What is the difference between walnut and giltwood?
Walnut versions showcase the rich grain and polished warmth of figured timber veneers, often accented with parcel-gilding on the carved enrichments.
Giltwood examples are covered entirely in gold leaf over gesso, offering a brilliant reflective quality designed to maximise interior candlelight or daylight.