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 (DEFM). He supplied picture frames for the 3rd Earl of Egremont, 1794, 1799-1800 (West Sussex Record Office, PHA/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.