Design for a Rectangular Mirror over a Side Table 1841 - 1884

This is a design for a mirror over a side table, created by Charles Hindley and Sons. It offers a glimpse into the aesthetic values and social structures of the 19th century. Reflecting the opulence favored by the upper classes, the design is replete with ornamental details. The mirror, positioned above the side table, suggests a preoccupation with appearance and social presentation characteristic of the time. Hindley and Sons catered to a clientele that equated elaborate furnishings with status. The very act of designing such an ornate piece speaks to the dynamics of labor and class. Consider the skilled artisans who would have been commissioned to bring this design to life, versus those who could never afford to have it in their homes.