A fine example of a George III Irish Waterford mirror of a good size. The oval mirror plate is surrounded by alternating blue and clear faceted cut glass gems with applied gilding, set into a metal frame. Hung by a gilt iron ring.

County Waterford was famous for its glass production in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Waterford Glasshouse was known particularly for producing these distinctive mirrors.

Provenance:

Retailed by Dublin and London furniture dealer, collector and restorer Michael Butler (fl.c.1870-1900).

Retains label for ‘M. Butler’, ‘Collector and Restorer of “Chippendale”, “Adams” & “Sheraton” Furniture, etc., Large Collection of Old French Furniture, Tapestry, Rare Engravings, Old China, Cut Glass, Marble Mantelpieces, Silver, Lace, Bronze, etc… Upper Abbey Street Dublin’.

Butler was listed at Upper Abbey Street in 1885. It is thought the mirror plate was replaced in Michael Butler’s workshop at this date.

Among Butler’s major patrons was the first Earl of Iveagh, for whom he supplied furniture for Farmleigh, Co. Dublin and Elveden, Norfolk. In 1910 Butler worked for Sir William Lever, later Lord Leverhulme.

Source: DEFM; Glin, ‘Dublin Directories and Trade Labels’, Furniture History (1985); Glin & Peill, Irish Furniture (2007).