Dressing Mirror thumbnail 1

Dressing Mirror

1926-1927 (manufactured)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This mirror is designed to stand upon a dressing table in the same style. Both are spare, elegant and influenced by Art Deco Parisian furniture of the 1920s. The angled top of the central mirror panel echoes the shape of the dressing table's stretchers. Even though they do not have frames, the three mirror panels are backed with mahogany. The same wood is also used for the carved ball feet on which they stand.

Simple geometric forms and luxurious materials were typical of furniture by Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann, the most influential French cabinetmaker of the 1920s. His work undoubtedly inspired this mirror, which was probably designed by J.F. Johnson who worked for Heal & Son in London. The set of bedroom furniture of which this forms part was made for the author Dodie Smith.

Object details

Category
Object type
Materials and techniques
Glass and mahogany
Brief description
Triptych dressing table mirror backed with mahogany, with carved mahogany ball feet, made by Heal & Sons, probably designed by J.F Johnson, 1926-1927, for Dodie Smith. Part of an 11-part set, W.3-1975 to W.13-1875.
Physical description
Free-standing triptych dressing table mirror. The frameless, bevel-edged mirror panels are backed with mahogany and stand on mahogany feet. The left and right panels are rectangular, slender and narrow, and are hinged onto the central panel which has an angled top.
Dimensions
  • Height: 835mm
  • Maximum when installed on w.4 1975 width: 690mm
  • Maximum when installed on w.4 1975 depth: 160mm
Measured from object, 30/06/2005
Style
Gallery label
DRESSING TABLE, MIRROR AND STOOL Designed by J.F. Johnson (British) Manufactured by Heal & Son, London Macassar ebony veneer with ivory inlay and shagreen top About 1927 This Heal table, part of a larger set, is a British interpretation of French designer Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann's historicising Art Deco furniture. W.4,5&6-1975(1989-2006)
Object history
Made for the author Dodie Smith
Summary
This mirror is designed to stand upon a dressing table in the same style. Both are spare, elegant and influenced by Art Deco Parisian furniture of the 1920s. The angled top of the central mirror panel echoes the shape of the dressing table's stretchers. Even though they do not have frames, the three mirror panels are backed with mahogany. The same wood is also used for the carved ball feet on which they stand.

Simple geometric forms and luxurious materials were typical of furniture by Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann, the most influential French cabinetmaker of the 1920s. His work undoubtedly inspired this mirror, which was probably designed by J.F. Johnson who worked for Heal & Son in London. The set of bedroom furniture of which this forms part was made for the author Dodie Smith.
Associated objects
Collection
Accession number
W.5-1975

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Record createdJune 30, 2005
Record URL
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