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Year Completed
2021
Abstract
Chelcey Dunham, VCU Interior Design MFA 2023, selected A Looking Glass for the 2021 Colonialism And The Americas, Object Analysis Project.
Around 1720, mahogany was imported to England and began to supersede walnut as the wood of choice for fancy furniture. The North East colonies were a good stopping point along the shipping route from Jamaica, Cuba, and Honduras. Of course, some of the mahogany remained in the North East, and that is most likely how Mr. Elliott got his supply of Mahogany for his many-looking glasses. It was most likely designed to fit on a wall between two windows, in order to give an increased sense of light and space during the day. There would often be a pier table in front of the mirror, frequently with candles, so that at night the looking glass would maximize the candlelight.
Object Name
Looking Glass
Function
reflective surface
Material(s)
wood, silvered glass, gold gilding, gesso
Maker
John Elliott Sr.
Place of Origin
Pennsylvania, USA
Cultural Connections
England
Time Period
1762-67
Current Location (Museum Collection)
VMFA
Disciplines
Interior Design
Department
VCU Arts Dept. of Interior Design
Date of Submission
12-7-2021