Thomas Fentham 136 the Strand a Late Georgian Gothic Revival Gilt Wall Mirror

Thomas Fentham & Co, 136 strand. London 1793-1824. Carvers and gilders, glass grinders, looking glass and picture frame makers. A rare and important Late Georgian Gothic gilt wall mirror with carved foliate details. Thomas Fentham (d. 1808) was a leading looking glass and picture frame maker in the Strand, London whose business was carried on after his death by his son, Thomas John Fentham (1787-1843). It was dissolved in 1820 and subsequently acquired by William Froom (qv). Thomas Fentham: Fentham took apprentices Edward Langley for a premium of £20 in 1772 and John Bainbridge for £30 in 1782. His name was occasionally misspelt in documentation but Fentham would appear to be the individual who made picture frames and glasses for Edward Knight, Kidderminster, 1774-91 ( Penny 1986 p. 813, and information from the author). He supplied Lady Heathcote with a frame for a picture of Mr Folkstone in 1779, and he was paid by Charles Townley for picture frames in 1782 ( DE FM). He supplied picture frames for the 3rd Earl of Egremont, 1794, 1799-1800 ( West Sussex Record Office, P HA/7557, 8056). He made numerous high quality decorative looking glasses, as described in the Dictionary of English Furniture Makers and many periodicals of the day. Therefore this mirror was made between 1793-1824.