Wallrocks has a wonderfully rich collection of genuine 19th century European antique mirrors, or mirror surrounds, from carved oak frames to giltwood or gilded, and over-mantel or floor.
The word mirror refers to the reflective surface and dates back to the earliest examples found in Turkey around 6000BC, when man-made mirrors were produced from polished stone and volcanic glass. Ancient Egyptians were known to polish copper for the same purpose. Over the centuries, glass production was refined, and the back of the glass silvered, and as such mirrors were considered an extremely expensive luxury item that only the wealthy could afford.The antique mirror itself as we know it today has a relatively short history dating back to the 1830’s when the chemical process of depositing a thin layer of metallic silver onto glass was invented, giving it the reflective coating, thereby revolutionising the manufacturing process and making mirrors an affordable commodity. Glass from the 19th century is much purer in chemical composition and therefore colour unlike much of todays green glass which is tainted with contaminants such as iron.
Mirrors are an integral part of any home, and as well as the obvious practical use, antique mirrors enhance and give the feeling of space, light and depth. They are considered to be an essential addition by many top designers.
