Description

Mid C19th carved giltwood oval-framed overmantel mirror with unusual carved fern motif decoration .
The central oval-framed plate with applied surmount and side-pieces carved decoration featuring "Hart's-Tongue" fern fronds. Original throughout with good clear original mirror plate and back-boards. The original gilding with a gently aged patina, which in places has subtly worn through to show the decorative and atmospheric red-pink gesso ground beneath .
The "Hart's-Tongue" fern deriving it's name from the likeness of it's fronds in appearance ,to that of the tongue of an adult male red deer or hart . The leaf of the "Hart's-Tongue" fern was also used in folk medicine as a spleen tonic.
During the mid to late C19th , 'ferneries' and botanical collections of ferns were highly-desirable and fashionable . 'Pteridomania' (or fern craze) was a term coined by Charles Kingsley, clergyman and naturalist , to describe the fervoured collecting of British and exotic species of fern which gripped the country during this period.
It is likely this attractively designed mirror frame with its unusual and possibly unique fern decoration, was commissioned by such an aficionado , naturalist, horticulturist or botanist.
Designed to fit flush to ,and sit upon , the top of a mantle-piece or fire-surround .
H 39"
W (oval) 44"
W (full) 55"
D 3"
England.1850
Established in the Cathedral City of Worcester for over 40 years ,M.Lees&Sons , run by Michael Lees ,have been dealing with public and trade from show-rooms in an early Georgian town-house. We aim to provide a straight-forward approach to our business and build lasting relationships with our customers. As members of the 'London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association' , we provide full descriptive details , date ,authenticity and any available provenance ,with full disclosure of any restoration or repair which may have taken place .
Whether buying for pleasure , decoration or investment, we welcome you to our web-site or premises .
Past projects have included advising clients on forming and disposing of collections , furnishing period properties , hotel and commercial projects , also a shoot-room and lodge .
All goods are available to view and owned by M.Lees&Sons .
If visiting, a telephone call prior is advisable as due to the demands of the business the show-room does not have regular hours . Please feel free to contact us if we can be of assistance .
www.leesantiquesworcester.com.
Tel. 01905 26620 / 07860826218
Located in the centre of Worcester in the shadow of the Cathedral with easy parking nearby. Exit Junction 7 M5 and follow the signs for Worcester Porcelain Museum . Our premises are located 100 metres from the Museum and 50 metres from Pay&Display car-park in nearby King St.
Internal Ref: ML 1702