Top quality, untouched or untarnished original antique mirrors from the 18th and 19th centuries are becoming increasingly rare. To meet the ever increasing demand for these beautiful, classical decorative pieces Tony Williams Antique Mirrors (based in Leek, Staffordshire ) began to make reproduction mirrors.
Many antique mirrors reproductions are made using resin, plaster, paint and a coating of what is called ‘Dutch Gold’ (a form of cheap imitation gold leaf). Tony Williams antique mirrors use original mirror designs and only to highest quality material for their reproductions. Tony Williams makes his mirror frames from fine, seasoned timber or even antique wood and all gilding is carried out using real gold leaf.
This process of manufacture allows customers to choose the specific size and mirror design that they want. They are able to specify the detailed decoration, scrolls, cartouches etc. ultimately resulting in a beautiful, top quality reproduction mirror that fits in perfectly with their home decor. These fantastic, top quality reproductions will go on to become the antique of the future.
What is Gilt?
The term ‘gilt’ is used throughout the world of antiques to describe the finish applied to a variety of items. For example: ‘gilt mirrors’, ‘gilt bronze wine coolers’ or ‘antique gilt console table’.
Generally the term is used to refer to the thin layer of gold or other material that is applied during the process of gilding. Gilding usually involves coating an object with a gold coloured metal leaf or real gold. The term ‘gilding’ is sometimes used to simply mean ‘improving the appearance of an object.’
The practice of gilding woods and metals was popular with the ancient Egyptians who would use gold plated wood to produce prestigious statues and gold leaf to decorate palaces. Today the practice of gilding is still employed in frame making, Antique Mirror reproduction and decoration.
If you are buying a piece of restored antique furniture, or maybe a reproduction, it is worthwhile checking to find out whether genuine gold leaf was used in the gilding process as the use of Dutch Gold (a cheap, metalic gold alternative) has been used.
French and English 19th Century Mirrors
There was increasing affluence and prosperity during the Victorian era. The British empire was expanding and foreign trade brought all sorts of exotic objects into the British isles and the industrial revolution brought mass production, making many items more affordable and available.
The Victorian style of home decoration, popular in both Britain and the United States, was both ornate and opulent. Victorian rooms were very ‘busy’ when compared with their modern, minimalist equivalents. There was an abundance of rich, deeply coloured fabrics used to present an impression of importance. Walls and ceilings might be ornately decorated with expensive wallpapers and fancy plasterwork and painting.
Gilt mirrors and overmantels were extremely popular with the house proud Victorians of the day who wanted to display their wealth and present an impression of importance. Victorians loved to demonstrate their wealth and importance and there was no better house decoration than a gilt mirror or ornate overmantel. French Gilt Mirrors were particularly popular. French mirrors of the time tended to be more ornately decorated and more finely carved than their English counterparts.
Although modern interior design tends toward the more minimalist style a splash of extravagance can really make all the difference. One of these is gilt mirrors and overmantels.
A few well chosen pieces of antique furniture and decorative items can really personalise an otherwise sterile interior. Original pieces are becoming increasingly rare so if you are looking for that extra special centre piece to hang over the fireplace you would do well to take a look at a few top quality reproduction gilt mirrors.
