A Distressed Regency Period Giltwood Pier Mirror c.1820

SOLD
Origin: English
Period: Regency
Provenance: Unknown
Date: c.1810-30
Height: 33 inches
Width: 22 inches
Depth: 4.5 inches

In distressed but beautiful condition the Regency period gilt framed pier looking glass having an inverted breakfront lattice frieze and mirror plate flanked by cluster columns, the frame with moulded corvetto ball mounts and central moulded floral spray motifs.

The mirror is in very tired but very attractive condition. One of the corvetto ball mounts is missing, whilst the frame and pine back boarding are still sound, the original plate glass is much distressed and now only partly acts as a mirror with much flaking. The gilding as a whole has consistent wear and loss as seen in the photographs but the mirror has not be restored and thus remains true to its original condition and is ready and able to be hung and admired. We love pieces like this.

A pier glass is a mirror which is placed on a pier, i.e. a wall between two windows supporting an upper structure. It is therefore generally of a long and tall shape to fit the space. It may be as a hanging mirror or as mirrored glass affixed flush to the pier, in which case it is sometimes of the same shape and design as the windows themselves. This was a common decorating feature in the reception rooms of classical 18th century houses.

Now to be admired more as a picture than mirror, this is a stunning piece of country house imperfection.
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