Doe and Hope

Description

Of delicate proportions, the Regency period gilt framed pier looking glass with ebonised reeded slip, flanked by architectural column pilasters, the inverted breakfront frieze with moulded ball mounts and central moulded floral spray motif.

The mirror is in tired but very attractive condition. There is a section of loss to the ornamental floral motif and one of the ball mounts is missing, whilst the frame and back boarding are slightly loose in places, the original plate glass is clear and in superb order. The gilding as a whole has areas of 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.

Despite its imperfections this proves a dainty and deliciously decorative mirror of a ripe old age.