Details Detail 1 Detail 2

The Beatrix Potter Mirror

In 1884 Beatrix Potter wrote “If ever I had a house I would have old furniture” concluding that compared to modern furniture it was “incomparably handsomer and better made”. In 1905 the opportunity arrived in the shape of Hill Top Farm and she filled it almost exclusively with ‘old furniture’ inherited from her parents or purchased at local farm sales. Amongst the acquisitions was the wall mirror. This general style of mirror was made throughout most of the 18th century, firstly veneered in walnut and later in mahogany. Although many were extremely ornate with carved gilt mouldings and crest adornments, Beatrix Potter showed her ‘sense of place’ when choosing this example for Hill Top. Although elegant, it has a simplicity particularly appropriate to the unpretentious Lakeland farmhouse. After 1905 many of the ‘Tales’ are set in and around Hill Top. The mirror can clearly be seen in ‘The Tale of Tom Kitten’ published by Frederick Warne & Co in 1907. The mirror probably dates from between 1715 and 1730 and is of burr walnut veneered upon pine. W: 18" H: 33½" £695.00

If you require further information please click here