MIRRORS  toilet
This form of mirror was introduced into Britain from the Low Countries in Queen Anne’s reign. The lower section was a miniature replica of a bureau. The mirror which was often of cushion shape was supported
between two uprights. Usually in walnut or japanned.
Value Points: Complexity of bureau part.
Shaped fronts.
Figured woods and inlays.
Original glass with bevelled edge.
A walnut toilet mirror with deep cross-grained moulding supporting the glass. A pretty little interior with stepped drawers (see Bureaux section). By no means the most complicated fittings but a good piece. c.1710
A walnut toilet mirror with concave-fronted drawers and inlaid stringing lines. The tapering supports are veneered and have acorn finials. The handles and keyplates are original. c. 1715
A serpentine- fronted walnut mirror with bevelled glass and one replacement (Victorian) finial on the upright. The drawers have an inlaid ebony and boxwood stringing line. 1730-1740
A mahogany toilet mirror, missing one finial, with a gilt surround. The top corners of the moulding have inward points. The handles and keyplates are replacements. The key serves as the pull for the centre drawer.
A ‘Hepplewhite’ toilet mirror with oval glass, edged in ebony and boxwood stringing. The front is serpentine, and the outer drawers have replacement pulls, but the centre drawer still has inset brass keyhole and
key. 1770-1800
A Sheraton bow fronted example. White inlay on the edges of the drawers and top, the supports reeded. The ivory keyplate is missing. The small bracket feet are a pleasant minor detail.
The paws, the heavy decoration on the uprights and the top scroll all point to late Regency. The mirror is landscape shape rather than the portrait shape of Queen Anne’s days. c. 1820