Early 20th Century English Giltwood Overmantle Mirror — Circa 1920

Early 20th Century English Giltwood Overmantle Mirror — Circa 1920

A highly decorative English giltwood overmantle mirror, circa 1920, with beautifully carved details and a wonderfully atmospheric heavily distressed mirror plate. Generous in scale, it has the character and presence to create an impressive focal point within an interior.

Full Description

A wonderfully atmospheric early 20th-century English giltwood overmantle mirror, dating to circa 1920 and combining elegant carved decoration with a beautifully aged and heavily distressed mirror plate.

The giltwood frame has a strong architectural quality, with particularly attractive carved detailing to the centre and upper corners. These decorative elements provide interest and refinement while allowing the broad proportions of the mirror to retain a relatively restrained appearance.

The most distinctive feature is undoubtedly the heavily distressed antique mirror plate. Years of ageing have created extensive foxing, clouding and deterioration across the reflective surface, resulting in a wonderfully atmospheric appearance that cannot easily be replicated artificially.

Rather than functioning simply as a conventional looking glass, the distressed plate gives the mirror an almost painterly quality. Changes in light reveal different areas of reflection and aged surface, making it particularly appealing as a decorative antique mirror and statement interior piece.

At 148 cm wide, the mirror has excellent scale for its original purpose above a fireplace or mantelpiece. Its horizontal proportions would equally allow it to work beautifully above a console table or sideboard, where the combination of aged gilding and distressed glass can provide a strong decorative focal point.

The warm giltwood frame contrasts particularly well with the aged mirror plate, giving the piece the relaxed grandeur associated with established country-house interiors.

A striking English giltwood overmantle mirror with excellent scale, attractive carved detailing and an exceptionally characterful distressed plate.

Details

• Date: Circa 1920
• Country of Origin: England
• Type: Overmantle mirror
• Style: Decorative / traditional
• Material: Giltwood and mirror glass
• Features: Carved central and upper corner decoration
• Dimensions: H 112 cm | W 148 cm | D 16 cm
• Condition: Good antique condition with expected wear to the giltwood frame. The mirror plate is heavily distressed with extensive ageing, foxing and deterioration, forming an important part of the decorative character of the piece.

Styling Notes

An impressive focal point for above a fireplace, particularly within a country-house, Georgian-inspired or eclectic interior. The heavily aged mirror plate gives the piece a softer decorative quality than modern reflective glass and works beautifully alongside antique furniture, natural fabrics and aged surfaces. Its generous width also makes it an excellent choice above a large console table or sideboard.

Delivery

Delivery is not included. Please use the Request Delivery Quote feature beside the ‘Add to Basket’ tab before completing your order. Collection from our Sussex showroom is welcome, and nationwide couriers can be arranged on request.