Where should I hang a convex mirror?

These pieces suit reception rooms and halls where the wide-angle reflection can capture the entire activity of the space. Placing them opposite a window maximises the light they pull into the room. Because they project visually from the wall, they work well above a mantelpiece or as a single focal point on a plain surface.

How do I know if it is Regency?

Regency examples typically display specific frame proportions, often featuring reeded ebony inner rings and classical ball ornaments around the outer perimeter. The presence of carved eagle crests is also characteristic of this period. Construction methods on the reverse, including timber ageing and traditional fixings, help confirm the nineteenth-century origins of the piece.

What is a butler's mirror?

The term butler's mirror is often used interchangeably with convex wall mirrors due to their historical placement in service areas. This allowed staff to monitor the room while remaining out of the main line of sight. Today, the description applies generally to round convex glasses housed in simple or decorative circular frames.

How do I clean the glass?

Careful dusting with a soft cloth preserves both the antique glass and the delicate gilt surface around the edge. Avoid spraying liquids directly onto the frame or the edges of the mirror plate. Moisture can seep behind the silvering or damage the gesso beneath the gold leaf, so use minimal moisture during cleaning.