Mirrored Mastery: Beaumont & Fletcher’s Ornate Frames of Exceptional Craft
At Beaumont & Fletcher, each ornate mirror is a masterpiece, hand carved from premium wood in our Italian atelier and finished with exquisite hand gilded treatments including silver or gold leaf, distressed or modern palettes. These timeless pieces deserve gentle and thoughtful care to preserve their artistry and elegance.
But more than that, they are made to last, not just through your lifetime, but beyond it. With proper attention, a Beaumont & Fletcher mirror transforms from a beautiful furnishing into an heirloom: a treasured piece to pass down, generation to generation.
1. Dust Gently and Regularly
Use a soft, dry microfibre cloth or a natural bristle brush to dust your mirror’s frame gently. Avoid rigourous scrubbing, many of these frames feature delicate gilded surfaces (sometimes as thin as 0.1 micron!) (FYI we’re not using real gold but gold foil, 100 times thicker than real gold) and overzealous cleaning can wear them away.
2. Clean the Glass Carefully
Mix one part white vinegar to two parts water, or simply use clean, warm water on a soft, lint free cloth. Never spray directly onto the glass, apply the solution to the cloth first to avoid seeping into the edges, which can damage the backing.
3. Preserve the Gilded Frame
Avoid all harsh chemicals including commercial cleaners, polishes, or anything containing ammonia or alcohol that can dissolve adhesives or strip away finishes. Instead, dust only; for deeper archival care, consult a professional conservator, especially if the frame contains precious metals. The rest is fine, it doesn’t say we are providing this service.
4. Maintain Ideal Environmental Conditions
Keep humidity levels stable between 40–60% to prevent expansion, cracking, or warping of the wood and gesso beneath the gilding. Avoid placing your mirror in direct sunlight or near heat source, prolonged exposure can fade finishes and destabilise delicate elements.
5. Handle with Care
When moving or hanging the mirror, always wear clean cotton or nitrile gloves to avoid transferring oils from your hands onto the frame.
6. Respond Thoughtfully to Wear
If you notice flaking gilding, loose carving, or structural damage, resist DIY fixes. A qualified conservator craftsman can consolidate loose areas, replicate missing pieces, and match historic gilding without compromising integrity.
7. Store Safely When Not Displaying
Always store mirrors upright, never flat to prevent warping and pressure on the glass. Wrap only in acid free tissue paper, then in protective but breathable packaging; bubble wrap may be used short term but can create humidity traps over time.
8. Appreciate the Character
Imperfections like smoky patinas, mellowing silvering, or slight marks are part of the mirror’s story and often add to its charm rather than detract. Let time enhance the beauty, rather than erase it.
A Legacy in Reflection
In summary, your Beaumont & Fletcher ornate mirror isn’t just décor, it’s a heritage object, built to endure both time and trend. With the right care, it becomes more than a possession; it becomes a legacy. A piece passed from parent to child, from one home to the next, carrying with it the stories, style, and sentiment of generations.
By treating its materials with respect, cleaning with care, controlling its environment, and handling it thoughtfully, you’re not just preserving its craftsmanship, you’re safeguarding its place in your family’s history. After all, these mirrors are more than useful, they’re art, and more than art, they’re heirlooms in the making.