TRUMEAU MIRROR HISTORY

Custom French Trumeau mirrors – A decorative art form of uncommon quality. French furniture crafted during the eighteenth century (Louis XIII – Louis XVI) has long been praised as the epitome of elegance and fine craftsmanship. A centerpiece of the eighteenth century interior was the trumeau – a long mirror set into paneling and topped with a painting or carved motif. This form was primarily decorative but it was also functional because of the mirror’s reflective quality. In their free standing state they have become attractive additions to home décor. The mirror portion of the original trumeau mirrors have often become distressed over time as the electroplating has deteriorated leaving interesting patterns and contributing to the authenticity of the piece.

ARTISTS’ INSPIRATION & CONSTRUCTION

The fine craftsmanship along with great variety of forms and elegance of the classic trumeau design was the inspiration for my creation of this line of original trumeau mirrors. The goal was to create the finest quality reproductions of the rare and expensive true antiques. The frames of these handcrafted mirrors are made of birch embellished with wood and/or composite appliqué’s. Only the finest furniture and decorative painting products available to trained professionals have been used. The Transformations By Phyllis team of artisans used multiple layers of products and techniques to attain this authentic result. It is my wish that with normal care, these mirrors will become your family heirlooms for generations.

FINISHES & TECHNIQUES

Each mirror has multiple finishes. Moldings are gold leafed with distressed techniques and over-glazing. Many of the frames have multiple layers of Venetian plaster which is applied with trowels. Hand painted art is done over layered plaster, sanded back and over-glazed for a vintage worn look. The final steps include hand burnishing, hand rubbed wax or multiple applications of varnish. Stenciling is done with paint applications or embossed relief with plasters. In addition, the mirror itself is distressed through electroplate manipulation to replicate the antiquity of the art form. Each mirror is sealed with a protective coating to ensure durability.