What is a dressing glass?

A dressing glass is a mirror designed specifically for personal grooming and dressing. They are built as tabletop swing mirrors or large floor-standing cheval mirrors. Historically placed upon dressing tables or chests of drawers, these mirrors allowed users to adjust the angle of reflection for putting on jewellery or checking attire.

How do I date a mirror?

Dating a mirror involves examining the wood species, construction methods of the frame, and the bevel or thickness of the glass plate. Georgian and Victorian pieces show specific cabinet-making traits. Makers often utilised mahogany or walnut depending on the period, while Edwardian and Art Deco examples introduce lighter oaks, contrasting veneers, and geometric cuts.

Where were these placed?

These mirrors were primarily used in bedrooms and dressing rooms, positioned on top of dedicated dressing tables or tallboys. Table mirrors required a sturdy surface to rest upon. Cheval mirrors stood directly on the floor in bedrooms, offering a full-length reflection without needing furniture beneath them.

What are companion dressing items?

Companion items include cut glass perfume bottles, silver-lidded trinket boxes, and vanity jars. These pieces were manufactured to sit alongside dressing glasses on vanity surfaces. They share the prevailing decorative styles of their era, featuring materials like sterling silver, guilloché enamel, and coloured glass.