Pair of antique English ormolu and ebonised wood mirrors

This marvellous pair of elegant mirrors was expertly crafted by skilled English craftsmen in around 1860.

Both mirrors are of the same design which is inspired by the Renaissance style of the 14th and 15th centuries. A later bevelled mirror plate fills the intricate ormolu and ebonised wood frames. Of a rectangular shape, the ornately decorated channelled frame is mostly cast from ormolu, otherwise known as gilt bronze. The four corners and three of the four central panels are adorned with refined espagnolette mounts. In the top centre is a monogram ‘HHIV’, most likely standing for Henri IV, King of France (who ruled from 1589 to 1610). This is flanked by a garland of beautiful flowers. The frame is further inset with niches containing several male and female figures. The mirror is surmounted by a pair of putti flanked by symmetrically positioned lions. The putti are supporting a coat of arms.

The pierced ormolu frame is mounted on an ebonised wood backing. The deep black colour of the wood masterfully matches the shining gold of the ormolu and ensures all intricate decoration is clearly visible.

This pair of mirrors comes from Harlaxton Manor in Lincolnshire. Even though they are not recorded in the 1864 inventory of the Manor, their design relates to the interior decoration of the estate, in particular that in the State Dining Room or the corridors on the upper floors.

It is unusual that pieces of this type were created in England, making this pair of superb mirrors a very desirable addition to the appropriate interior space.