Pier Glass Frames, in Chippendale Drawings, Vol. I 1754

Thomas Chippendale drafted these Pier Glass Frames as part of a larger volume of designs in the 18th century. Chippendale worked during a time when the British Empire's colonial reach was expanding, impacting design and cultural tastes. These mirror frames embody the Rococo style which moved away from the symmetry of earlier periods, embracing asymmetry, curves and naturalistic motifs. The inclusion of the ‘exotic’ and orientalising elements such as Chinese figures reflects a global influence on design, which speaks to Britain’s extensive trade and colonial activities at this time. Yet, it’s crucial to acknowledge that these designs, while seemingly decorative, were emblematic of wealth generated through exploitation and colonialism. The frames, intended for the domestic sphere, were likely commissioned by the elite, who were eager to display their access to global commodities and taste. The mirror itself, reflecting the owner, becomes a stage for projecting power and status. The emotional appeal in these designs lies in their aspiration to elegance and sophistication, while being deeply rooted in the complex history of empire and class.