How do I clean a gilded frame?

Dust the carved surfaces gently with a soft, dry brush to prevent damage to the delicate gold leaf layers. Avoid using chemical sprays, water or abrasive cloths on the frame. For the glass plate, apply a mild glass cleaner to a cloth rather than spraying directly onto the mirror. This stops liquid from seeping behind the frame and damaging the backing.

What is an overmantel mirror?

An overmantel mirror is a large decorative glass specifically built to sit above a fireplace opening. They were traditionally scaled to fill the visual gap between the mantel shelf and the ceiling. These mirrors also function effectively on standard room walls when a grand architectural statement is desired.

How do I identify a period frame?

Examine the construction methods visible on the reverse of the frame, including the type of wood and joinery used. Hand-carved details combined with gesso layers usually point towards nineteenth-century or earlier craftsmanship. The presence of original mercury glass with natural foxing provides a strong indicator of eighteenth or nineteenth-century origin.