Where should I hang an oval mirror?

These mirrors suit chimney breasts, entrance hallways, or above commodes and sideboards. Their curved silhouette softens rectangular architectural lines. Ensure the hanging fixings match the weight of the timber and gesso frame, securing directly into wall studs or using appropriate masonry anchors.

How do I date a gilt mirror?

Examine the construction of the wooden frame, the composition of the gesso, and the backboards where visible. Early nineteenth-century pieces often show hand-carved details and older plate glass. Revival pieces from later in the nineteenth century typically utilise machine-prepared timber and different fastening methods on the reverse.

What is the difference between Regency and Regency Revival?

Original Regency pieces date from the early nineteenth century, reflecting the neoclassical tastes of the Regency era and the reign of George IV. They carry the patination of genuine age. Regency Revival pieces date from the Victorian and Edwardian periods, copying the earlier aesthetic using the manufacturing techniques of their own time.

How do I clean an antique mirror?

Dust the frame gently with a soft dry brush to protect delicate gesso and gold leaf surfaces. Avoid chemical sprays or water near the gilt. Clean the glass plate sparingly using a cloth slightly dampened with distilled water, ensuring moisture does not seep behind the edge of the frame.