Traditional Style
Though made around 1820, this pier mirror is designed in the earlier Federal Style.
And while I’m not a big fan of the spheres under the cornice, I am a fan of pier mirrors in general, and have wanted to build one for a while now.
This one I found in a third floor gallery of the Detroit Institute of Arts.
History of this Mirror
This mirror is meant to be a memorial to George Washington.
The urn in the applique is inscribed with George Washington’s initials, the date of his death and is topped by an American eagle. It is flanked by weeping willow trees — a tree often planted in early American graveyards.
The mirror was designed and manufactured by William Wellford.
Compo Architectural Ornaments
The ornaments on the mirror frame are made from compo. The ornaments that I use — the kind you find here on The Joy of Moldings, for the most part, are also made from compo.
Look at how fine the detail is in this center ornament. The urn, the reclining classical figures, the weeping willow trees, are of very fine resolution.
I’m of the mind that if you can’t apply ornaments with this level of resolution on your door surrounds, fireplaces, newel posts and valance boxes, then it’s better to not install any.
