Where should I hang a girandole?

These mirrors suit principal reception rooms, dining rooms or hallways where they can capture and reflect natural daylight from windows. Position them at eye level to maximise their decorative impact and to allow the candle sconces to function effectively as wall lighting.

How do I clean a giltwood frame?

Dust the carved surfaces gently with a soft, dry brush to prevent accumulation in the recesses of the gesso work. Avoid using water, commercial solvents or chemical polishes, as these agents can strip or damage the delicate gold leaf layer.

Can I burn candles in the sconces?

While the brass and metal arms are built to hold candles, burning real candles risks wax drips falling onto the gilt frame or nearby furnishings. Many owners utilise modern LED alternatives to enjoy the traditional aesthetic safely without exposing antique materials to open flames.

How do I date a convex mirror?

Examine the construction of the wooden backboards, the composition of the gesso, and the characteristics of the mirror glass itself. Regency examples often feature distinct motifs like reeded bezels, ebonised reeding, or crests featuring carved dragons and eagles.