Where should I hang a convex mirror?

These circular glasses work best positioned on a main living room or dining room wall where they can reflect an entire interior space. Because the curved glass pulls light from across the room, placing it opposite a window maximises its illumination.

How do I identify a Regency period piece?

Regency examples typically feature heavy giltwood frames with reeded ebonised slips and robust carved crests. The timber construction and traditional gilding methods help distinguish these early nineteenth-century works from later revivals. Closer inspection of the gesso groundwork and the backboards often reveals the age of the construction.

Are all these mirrors gilded with gold leaf?

While the majority utilise traditional gold leaf over gesso, some later or alternative pieces employ paint or japanning. The finish depends heavily on the specific period and style of the workshop. Examining the surface under natural light helps reveal whether the metallic layer is gold leaf or modern paint.

What is the purpose of the ebonised slip?

The thin black moulding sits directly around the mirror plate to create contrast against the bright gilt frame. This dark border helps draw the eye inward toward the curved glass. Many period pieces incorporate this detail to add depth and formal structure to the design.