Seminal Designs: Convex Mirrors

Convex mirrors, with their bulbous glass plates, have earned their place in interiors for centuries. In all their many guises, these mirrors are a tool for maximising light in our homes and providing a unique decorative touch.

Art forms, in more ways than one

The convex mirror dawned with the development of glassblowing in the 14^th Century. Venetian glassblowers would hand-blow a large glass bubble and then cut off a small circular section. The resulting surface would be either concave or convex, with the inevitable imperfections that come with a handmade product. Nonetheless, the production of convex mirrors sparked excitement and a worldwide race to discover the secrets of Venetian glass-makers. The form of a convex mirror plate makes them naturally divergent; when light rays strike the glass, they disperse without coming to a point. These distortive properties make them quite mesmerising and are an integral part of their charm. They also provide a great perspective tool, as medieval artists well knew. Indeed, the first known reference to a convex mirror in an interior comes from Jan van Eyck’s Arnolfini Portrait, 1434. This portrait uses the placement of a convex mirror to show the wider context of the room. Girolamo Francesco Maria Mazzola (1503-1540) famously painted his own self-portrait as seen through a convex mirror, with the mirror itself also included in the scene. These unique reflective powers saw convex mirrors used for a variety of means.

Convex mirrors for security

Not only are they decorative, but convex mirrors have historically helped various groups to keep a watchful eye out. Indeed, this sleuthing past has earnt them a variety of nicknames over the centuries. From the 15^th Century onwards, they were known as ‘banker’s mirrors.’ The likes of bankers and moneylenders placed the mirror in order to survey any dubious characters who might want to enter their premises. A primitive form of CCTV, if you like. Later on, in the households of Regency England, they took on a new name- ‘the butler’s mirror.’ In artwork from this period, you will often spot a convex mirror or two in the grandiose dining halls. This allowed butlers to keep an eye on guests’ progress through courses without having to invade their privacy. They still serve similar functions today; you will see a convex mirror showing drivers what lies around a bend in the road. On a less practical level, the French name for convex mirrors was oeil de sorcière – ‘witch’s eye.’ They believed that convex mirrors could ward off evil and bad spirits. A bit whimsical, perhaps, but convex mirrors undoubtedly have a magical quality.

Convex mirrors become fashionable

Convex mirrors continued to appeal once glass-making was more widespread. It was the Georgians who made these mirrors a must-have home accessory. Indeed, master cabinet-maker Thomas Sheraton described them as ‘universally in fashion.’ They took on an increasingly elaborate and ornate appearance, alongside evolving techniques. During the Regency, the ‘butler’s mirror,’ reached a grandiose peak, often crested with an eagle. Few individual names are associated with convex mirror design, but Thomas Fentham is one to be held up in lights. Fentham, a carver and mirror-maker based in London’s Strand, produced some of the most excellent convex mirrors of the 18^th and 19^th Centuries. He favoured the eagle crest as well as more subtle designs. Over in France, mirrors in all their forms enchanted King Louis XIV. He sought mercilessly to find out Venice's secret, and he did - recruiting his own band of Italian mirror-makers. His magnificent Hall of Mirrors at Versailles testifies to this obsession. He was fond of the convex mirror plate, and the self-styled 'Sun King' takes credit for the iconic sunburst frames they developed.

Styling antique convex mirrors

Over the years, everyone from moneylenders and goldsmiths to the French king has favoured convex mirrors. They are still a wonderful addition to interiors today, with a distinctive yet endlessly adaptable form. A convex mirror brings dimension, texture, and interest to a room. Their bulbous plates distribute light in those smaller, darker corners of the home – a decorative feature in itself. Whatever interior scheme you have, there is an antique convex mirror to suit. Burnished and gilded sunburst mirrors have a contemporary and luxurious feel, and their immensely decorative frames will bring the feel of far-away destinations into your home. For a period drawing room, a grand eagle-topped Regency convex mirror is the obvious choice for an authoritative and traditional feel. On a more minimalist level, a convex plate in a simple round frame brings a wonderful pared-back nautical touch to your interior. Browse our collection of antique convex mirrors here.