Design for an Oval Mirror over a Side Table 1841 - 1884

This is a design for an oval mirror over a side table by Charles Hindley and Sons, made sometime between 1841 and 1917. The drawing gives us a glimpse into the world of Victorian interior design and the decorative arts, which reflected Britain’s expansive empire and industrial wealth. The ornate details, from the floral garlands to the classical figures supporting the table, showcase the Victorian obsession with elaborate ornamentation and the revival of historical styles, in this case borrowing heavily from the French Rococo. This aesthetic was not just about beauty; it was a statement of social status, taste, and the ability to afford such intricate craftsmanship. Firms like Charles Hindley and Sons catered to this market, providing designs and furnishings that reinforced the social hierarchy. To fully understand this design, we can explore trade catalogs, design journals, and even household inventories. By examining these resources, we gain a deeper understanding of the values and aspirations of the society that produced and consumed such objects. The interpretation of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.