EXPERT COMMENT David Harvey
REGENCY STYLE Mirrors of the early 19th century included styles such as this convex gilt mirror with an eagle sitting on top of a rocky outcrop (left). The circular frame often has a border of gilt balls. There was a belief its convex shape allowed the butler waiting next door to see all the diners at once allowing him to know when to make an appearance.
GEORGE I & II During the reigns of George I and George II mirrors started to reflect both the architecture of the homes they hung in and the fashions of the day. Up to the middle of the 18th century the Palladian style, as promoted by William Kent and Lord Burlington, was very much in vogue. This early 18th-century landscape mirror, with cross-grain mouldings, has a carved gilt border which hints at the increasingly decorative aspects of mirrors.
Waxing lyrical With the nights drawing in, there’s no better way to enhance a room than with a mirror. David Harvey charts the memorable eras and designs 34 ANTIQUE COLLECTING
Above A traditional Regency convex gilt mirror surmounted by a carved eagle, c. 1815 Above right An early 18th-century walnut overmantel mirror Right A pair of very
Rococo girandoles, made c. 1765
GEORGE III From the middle years of the 18th century, as we move into the reign of George III, we can start to see some of the Chinese Chippendale inspiration as apparent in the pretty pair of girandoles above. The “c” and “s” scrolls are still evident everywhere and we now have carved icicles hanging from them and candle holders in order to provide more light.
