Pair of George III Bright Gilt Mirrors

An important Adam influenced design in the tall carved and gilt oval mirror. The tall top element with a pine cone and leafy crest atop a footed urn with bell flower swags. A center fluted horn...

A fantastic and extremely rare pair of George III period gilt Carton-Pierre and giltwood oval mirrors in the manner of John Linnell. Each mirror is gorgeously hand carved with meticulous detail and fine craftsmanship. The giltwood borders are designed with foliate crests above female masks, with aprons centered by a standing or recumbent left facing lamb. It is extremely rare to find a pair of mirrors of this date and in such amazing untouched condition, the mirror panels are most probably original and date to the late 1700s. Provenance: Jeremy, Ltd., London England, circa 1770 Carton-pierre, literal translation from the French - cardboard stone, was developed in the 18th century specifically to imitate wood and stone. The Formula typically included flour, chalk, sawdust, sand and plaster and bound with wax, resin, animal glues or gum arabic. The material could be moulded, bent and otherwise formed into the desired design. Preeminent makers like Gillows and John Linnell began using carton pierre in the late 1760s. The new material allowed for lacey decorative spandrels and festoons that could be made into nearly any length or shape required. These elements and the particular foliate umbrella canopy on this pair of mirrors relates to designs of William and John Linnell. The most famous example of this crest element is on the mirror supplied by Linnell to the 4th Duke of Beaufort for the State Bedroom at Badminton House...