Mirror-Case
Date1840-1900
MediumElectrotype
ClassificationsContainer
Terms
Object numberC11724
DescriptionThis is an electrotype copy of an ivory mirror back now in the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool, made c.1320-40 in Paris. Electrotyping was invented in the 19th century and used electrical currents and copper plates to form a perfect mould of an object. The scene is a variation on the popular 'Castle of Love' theme. The original ivory belonged to Joseph Mayer of Liverpool, who was a member of the British Archaeological Association at the same time as Henry Cuming. It was common for members to bring objects to meetings for discussion or admiration, and it seems likely that the BAA was where Mayer introduced Cuming to his ivory mirror back and Cuming decided to commission an electrotype copy of it for his own collection.
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