Relevant categories: Mirrors
(Above photo - Tall Adams Gilt Pier Mirror - Regency Hall Mirrors )
From the name, pier mirrors were places on the pier – the wall supporting an upper section, between two windows. They are designed to be tall enough to fill the entire pier. A pier mirror can be in the form of a mirrored glass firmly fixed onto the pier or made to hang from above it. For design consistency, pier mirrors have the same shape as the windows. This form of decoration was widespread in the classical 18th century. People usually put their console table under the pier mirror.
What Are Gilt Pier Mirrors?
(Above photo - Regency Gilt Pier Mirror Neo Classical ) A gilt pier mirror is one with a gilded frame – one on which a thin gold leaf has been applied. Gilding is a decorative technique that has existed for centuries. An artist uses a special glue on the frame followed by a priming mixture, composed of rabbit skin and clay. He or she then applies gold onto the frame. As water evaporates from the primer, the gold starts drying and sticking in place. Gilded items were popular with wealthy individuals in the 18th and 19th centuries.
(Above photo - George II Gilt Pier Mirror 7 Foot Tall ) Most of the people buying gilt pier mirrors today consider them a work of art. They are displayed in homes as a way of creating a center of attraction. To ensure the frame lasts for long, the owner should make every effort to maintain it. Taking good care of the structure will continue and even improve its value when you decide to sell in the future. Visitors to your home will have no option but to behold the attractive, glittering mirror frame hanging on your pier.
Why a Gilt Pier Mirror?
(Above photo - Gilt Pier Mirror - George II Floral Gilded Frame Glass ) The value of a gilt pier mirror isn’t in the glass but the gold covering the frame. Gold has historically been associated with beauty, respect, and wealth. Since it is admired by many people, using a gold frame around your pier mirror is an excellent interior décor idea. Since the mirror has a gilded frame, it is more affordable than one made from pure gold. With an ounce of gold going for over $1000, it can be costly to forge a solid gold frame.
Even if you could afford a solid gold frame, the metal is too soft to be useful. Gold is soft, pliable, and unfit for use on structural works. It can’t bear weight, even that of a mirror. It is the malleability that makes gold ideal for the gilding process. With a gilded frame, you get the same beauty of gold without any structural problems.
Buying Antique Gilt Pier Mirrors
(Above photo - Large Chippendale Gilt Pier Mirror Glass Mirrors ) You should evaluate an antique gilt pier mirror for signs of damage or deterioration on the frame. The extent of the damage will determine the price you will pay for the mirror. Once you buy it, you should ask a professional to help you restore the frame to its original elegance. That may involve dealing with structural issues on the structure and repairing the damaged gold leaf. Remember, you should have very limited handling a gilt pier mirror to maintain its value.
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