How do I clean a vintage silver gilt mirror?

Dust the frame gently with a soft, dry brush to protect the delicate metallic leaf and gesso layers from damage. Avoid liquid cleaners and chemical solvents entirely. Clean the glass plate using a modest amount of glass cleaner applied to a cloth rather than sprayed directly onto the mirror, preventing moisture from seeping behind the silvering.

Where should I hang an overmantel mirror?

Mount the mirror securely above a fireplace mantelpiece to anchor the room's focal point and reflect natural light across the space. Ensure the wall fixings match the substantial weight of the wooden frame. Alternatively, position the piece on a main living room wall opposite a window to maximise the illusion of depth and illumination.

How can I tell a nineteenth-century mirror from a modern reproduction?

Examine the backboards, fixings, and the composition of the glass plate for signs of genuine age. Older mirrors often show subtle foxing, uneven silvering, and hand-cut wooden elements. Check the gesso and frame joints for the minor imperfections and wear patterns typical of historical handcraftsmanship rather than uniform machine production.

What is the difference between silver gilt and silvered?

Silver gilt involves the application of silver leaf or metal onto a prepared surface, sometimes warmed with a golden tone. It produces a rich, reflective warmth. Silvered finishes rely on chemical treatments or plain silver applications to create a cooler, highly reflective mirror coating without the underlying gilding warmth.