Laurel Mirror

Description

Laurel Mirror was designed by Shah Gilani, ISFD. Mirrors are manufactured by applying a reflective coating to a suitable substrate. The most common substrate is glass, due to its transparency, ease of fabrication, rigidity, hardness, and ability to take a smooth finish. The reflective coating is typically applied to the back surface of the glass, so that the reflecting side of the coating is protected from corrosion and accidental damage by the glass on one side and the coating itself and optional paint for further protection on the other. The method of making mirrors out of plate glass was invented by 16th-century Venetian glass makers on the island of Murano, who covered the back of the glass with mercury, obtaining near-perfect and undistorted reflection. For over one hundred years, Venetian mirrors installed in richly decorated frames served as luxury decorations for palaces throughout Europe. The secret of the mercury process eventually arrived in London and Paris during the 17th century due to industrial espionage. French workshops succeeded in large-scale industrialization of the process, eventually making mirrors affordable to the masses, even though mercury’s toxicity remained a problem. In modern times, the mirror substrate is shaped, polished, and cleaned, and is then coated with silver or aluminum. The Laurel Mirror was inspired by the mythology of ancient Greece. Laurel leaves surrounded the temple of Apollo to cleanse the soul before entering. Associated with purification, it was seen as a plant with powers of immortality. The common belief was that laurel awakened awareness and past life memories, stimulated psychic abilities, improved health, and gave the power of divination. Laurel leaves were often placed under pillows at night to gain inspiration through dreams, and its intoxicating properties were associated with prophetic and poetic inspiration. With its grand scale, the Laurel Mirror makes an exceptional wall accent for upscale eclectic residential and hospitality interiors. Constructed of robust metal, the mirror frame is offered in a variety of finishes and accents. Custom sizing is available.