Where should I hang a pier mirror?

These tall looking glasses were originally conceived for the narrow wall space between two tall windows to maximise reflected daylight. Today they work equally well above a low console table in a hallway or serving as a grand focal point on a main living room wall.

How do I date a gilded mirror?

Dating relies on observing the combination of framing style, construction timber beneath the gesso, and the characteristics of the glass plate. Georgian and Regency pieces display crisper hand-carving and distinct classical motifs, whereas Victorian revivals often utilise heavier moulded gesso decoration.

Are the mirror plates original?

Many surviving antique pieces retain their original glass, which frequently exhibits subtle foxing, tiny dark spots, and gentle surface distortion. Clearer reflections usually indicate that a mirror plate has been replaced at some point during the long history of the object.

How heavy are these large mirrors?

Due to the combination of dense timber frames, thick gesso layers, and large glass plates, these pieces possess considerable weight. Secure wall fixings tied directly into structural studs or masonry are essential for safely supporting their substantial mass.