A fine and large early 19th century convex mirror with ebony slip and carved giltwood frame. Retaining the makers label, S.B. Fuller, London.

Circa 1820

Diameter: 34” / 86.5cm Depth: 3” / 8cm

Although we associate this type of mirror mostly with the early 19th century interiors they have been around for centuries; 12th century European glass blowers made spheres of glass, sections of which could be used as small mirrors.

Thomas Sheraton wrote in his Cabinet Dictionary of 1803: “The properties of such mirrors consist in their collecting the reflected rays into a point by which the perspective of the rooms in which they are suspended presents itself on the surface of the mirror and produces an agreeable effect.” 

So from humble origins to modest “Banker’s Eye” mirrors, such as those seen in Dutch Old Master Paintings of the 16th century, to opulent and highly decorated convex mirrors of the Regency era. The one shown here is particularly elegant, of superb quality and relatively paired back form retaining it’s makers label.