Time to Reflect

Early days

The earliest form of mirrors were used in the middle ages. These mirrors, used in Greco-Roman antiquity and throughout the European Middle Ages, were simply slightly convex disks of metal, bronze, tin, or silver, that reflected light off their highly polished surfaces.

Glass Mirrors Arrive

Nahshon (Detail with mirror)
Michelangelo, 1511-12

Old Woman at Mirror
Bernardo Strozzi, 1615

A method of backing a plate of flat glass with a thin sheet of reflecting metal came into widespread production in Venice during the 16th century; an amalgam of tin and mercury was used. The chemical process of coating a glass surface with metallic silver was discovered by Justus von Liebig in 1835, and this advance inaugurated the modern techniques of mirror making.

The Majority of today’s classic and historical Mirrors of great value (many of which The Mirror Company is proud to reproduce, repair or even copy) were crafted in the late 17th century. These Mirrors are much sought after and were often carved from bare wood good examples are rare and fetch very large sums of money at auction. Some of the great Mirror styles were influenced by Louis XVI in France (1643-1715). Georgian English style saw the import of many beautiful Frames and Mirrors from France to England many of which styles still are strong in our minds today. The Mirror Company adores the extravagance of French Framing as well as the dark serenity of the Dutch influence and the English refinement of motif such as Chippendale, Salavtore Rossa and Lely.

At The Mirror Company we offer Englands largest and finest collection of large swept frames and hand- carved mirror frames. We offer all types of finish from hand staining to 23.5ct English gold leafing.

We are only limited by your imagination.

The Mirror Company recognizes that styles and periods are important to people who are looking to restore or purchase a frame or mirror and we are here to help. We have an in depth knowledge of art restoration and regularly restore, copy and manufacture some of the finest frames and pictures.

If you require any help or advice with regard to framing or mirrors please email info@themirrorcopany.com or you can telephone the Head of the Workshop and proprietor M.D. Jeavons on 0845 873 7543 Monday – Saturday 10 – 5pm. Or 07814 636151.