ONE GEORGE II, CIRCA 1755, THE OTHER SECOND HALF 19TH CENTURY

With their rustic shrub-entwined pilasters perched on rockwork, and water-scalloped apron, the design for these pier mirrors is influenced by Thomas Johnson’s (1714-1778) Collection of Designs published in 1758. Johnson’s 'French' designs were characterized by their visual delight, and were particularly regarded for their extravagant mixture of rococo forms. His publications demonstrated a particular fondness for natural beauty and he often incorporated birds, animals and foliate forms into his representations of mirrors, picture frames, console tables and other works. Imbued with vitality and harmony, these mirrors epitomise the 18th century fashion for furnishings that reflected the beauty and sublime variety of nature.