This was an elaborate large silver mirror with many damaged sections. The areas that were weak, loose and flaking were stabilized with appropriate adhesive.

As cleaning started it was realized that the frame was not gold gilded but silver gilded.
It had a coat of yellow varnish, possibly shellac.

After discussing with the client the advantage of returning the frame to its original form the varnish was removed with solvents.

Moulds were taken from sound areas, these were used to make replicas and the missing areas were rebuilt with gesso.

Black bole was applied and the frame was then gilded with silver Italian leaf.