Where should I hang a scroll mirror?

These mirrors suit spaces above mantelpieces, console tables, and dressing chests where their decorative frames act as focal points. In reception halls and morning rooms, they bounce light into darker corners. Ensure the wall fixings match the weight of the timber and glass frame, particularly for larger overmantel and carved giltwood examples.

How do I identify a Georgian original?

Examine the timber behind the mirror plate and the construction methods used in the fretwork frame. Eighteenth-century pieces typically utilise dense mahogany or walnut with hand-cut joinery. Look for period mirror glass displaying minor oxidation and subtle distortion, which distinguishes antique plates from modern replacements.

How do I care for antique giltwood?

Dust giltwood frames gently with a soft, dry brush to prevent the accumulation of dirt on delicate carved surfaces. Avoid liquid cleaners, as moisture strips gold leaf and damages the underlying gesso. Keep these mirrors away from direct sunlight and damp environments to preserve the integrity of the antique timber and metallic finishes.