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Lot Essay
The Grafton Street carver and designer Thomas Johnson's (1714-c. 1778) influence on furniture production of the mid-18th century was effected through his publication of various designs - Twelve Girandoles (1755), One Hundred and Fifty New Designs (1758), A New Room of Ornaments (1760) and A New Book of Ornaments... Useful for Youth to Draw After (1762). His publications demonstrated a particular fondness for natural beauty and he often incorporated birds, animals and foliate forms into his designs for mirrors, picture frames, console tables and other items.
THE GILDING
An analysis of the decoration reveals that the mirror was completely stripped prior to the present water gilding being applied. The reverse and edges show signs of at least four earlier layers of decoration, with the different gesso and yellow ochre layers to the back separated by coats of dirt.
THE GILDING
An analysis of the decoration reveals that the mirror was completely stripped prior to the present water gilding being applied. The reverse and edges show signs of at least four earlier layers of decoration, with the different gesso and yellow ochre layers to the back separated by coats of dirt.