How do I hang a heavy overmantel mirror?

Heavy overmantel mirrors require secure wall fixing into masonry or substantial timber studs using heavy-duty brackets rated for the weight of the frame and glass. Professional installation ensures the piece remains stable and safe against the wall surface.

Are the mirror plates original?

Many mirrors retain their original glass plates, which often display light foxing, silvering loss, or age spots characteristic of nineteenth-century manufacturing. Replacement plates appear in pieces where the original glass suffered terminal damage over time.

What is the difference between gesso and carved wood?

Carved wood involves direct cutting into the timber substrate, whereas gesso and composition involve moulded plaster layers applied to a simpler wooden core. Combination frames utilise a carved wooden foundation enriched with moulded gesso details for intricate relief work.

How should I clean a gilt frame?

Dust gilt frames gently with a soft, dry brush to avoid disturbing fragile gold leaf or composition mouldings. Liquid cleaners and moisture damage historic water gilding, so preservation relies entirely on dry maintenance.