How do I identify a Victorian example?

Victorian chimney glasses often feature heavy carved wood and gesso frames finished with bright water gilding or dramatic ebonised surfaces. Their proportions tend to be grand and imposing, reflecting the architectural scale favoured during the nineteenth century.

What is an arched top mirror?

An arched top mirror incorporates a curved upper frame that softens the rigid rectangular geometry usually found in architectural joinery. This specific shape was frequently utilised in nineteenth-century overmantels to echo the masonry arches of the fireplace below.

How should I clean the frame?

Giltwood and gesso surfaces require delicate dusting with a soft, dry brush to prevent any moisture from lifting the fragile metallic leaf. Avoid commercial cleaning sprays entirely, as chemical agents will permanently strip the historical finish from the wood.