Art Funded by you

George III Silver Toilet Mirror Mark of Frederick Kandler

Frederick Kandler, 1777

© Christie's Images

Augustus Hervey, 3rd Earl of Bristol, commissioned this exceptionally fine toilet mirror for his mistress, Mary Nesbitt, in 1777. The mirror was ordered from Frederick Kandler, one of the most celebrated silversmiths working in London at that time.

This gift was a love token of great splendour. Silver-framed toilet mirrors were highly exclusive, and the complex decoration added to the cost. The frame features a bow and arrows, an allusion to Cupid, as well as the Hervey coat of arms at the base. Such mirrors were an important part of the levée, the morning preparation ritual typical of fashionable women in the 18th century.

The Hervey family were great patrons, leaving a legacy which includes Ickworth, the great neoclassical palace built by the 4th Earl near Bury St Edmunds. Now in the care of the National Trust, the house contains an outstanding silver collection of almost 1,000 pieces, among them nearly 200 items produced by Kandler’s workshop.

More information

Title of artwork, date

George III Silver Toilet Mirror Mark of Frederick Kandler, 1777

Date supported

2019

Medium and material

Silver

Dimensions

69 x 45.5 x 4

Total cost

68750

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

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