Magnifying mirror 1874 - 1875

This diminutive magnifying mirror was made by F.P. in London around 1875. It is rendered in gold and steel. The case contains an array of small tools, some of which appear to be for grooming, others for medical or scientific observation. Consider how the mirror’s small size and precise construction impacts its appearance. The reflective qualities of the mirror, juxtaposed with the heft and luster of the gold, make it a pleasure to handle. But what truly fascinates me about this piece is the way that it marries together different skilled traditions. The skills involved in the making of metal tools – forging, casting, and finishing – are combined with the expertise of the optician. The London of the late nineteenth century was a hotbed of manufacturing. These objects can tell us about the complex divisions of labor that were emerging at that time. We’re accustomed to thinking about gold as a precious material. But here, it is simply another material, carefully considered for its function in an industrializing world.