When transporting antique mirrors it can be challenging, it is important that mirrors are treated in the same way as a piece of art, as they have certain points that can withstand pressure and others that cannot. Each mirror will be different from the last, much like a painting.
The first thing to do when deciding how to transport a mirror is to consider the following:
Does it have gilt edging?
If so, are there any aspects not gilt-edged that it can completely rest on to prevent the gilt edging from touching the crate?
If not, how does it currently hang? Could the same hanging points be used to hang it inside the crate?
What are its dimensions? – this will have implications for how it is packed and ‘where’ it is packed (it may not fit through a normal doorway in a crate).
How many people will be required to pack/move the mirror?
Depending on where the gilding is, supports may need to be built into the crate to protect these delicate aspects from incurring any pressure from the crate itself. Often the weight of the mirror itself is enough to break the delicately carved gilding on the mirror. Therefore it is often necessary to hang the mirror inside the crate (as it hangs on a wall). This ensures no pressure is exerted where it isn’t wanted.
The next task is to prevent the mirror from swinging, once it is hung. Prepare for situations where the mirror crate will be placed or carried on its side accidentally. This can be achieved by screwing into the mirror from the back of the crate. Alternatively, well-placed void filler such as foam may be able to restrict movement. A lot depends on the size and weight of the mirror. Generally speaking, the larger the mirror, the heavier and the more difficult the padding/packing out becomes. These packing jobs should only be delegated to your most trusted and experienced packers. Of course, we are able to assist with specialty packing of these difficult items.
Rebul crates offer a lightweight option, and the lighter the crate the lower the chance of mishandling and knocking. Rebul crates are also made with a unique honeycomb board which shows significantly better shock absorption than wood and is also far less abrasive to the exterior of the mirror.
Previous success with transporting Antique Mirrors:
Two 18th Century French antique mirrors required safe transit from Melbourne to LA, Both mirrors had to be crated outside, because of door height restrictions of the house.
Mirror 1
Measured 3100 x 500 x 1900mm, weighed approx. 250kg and required 6 packers to carry
Gilt edging was only on the topsides and top of the mirror, thus it was best to lie this mirror down with a constructed support along the length of the frame, which kept the gilt aspects raised from the base and from touching any aspect of the crate
Mirror 2
Measured 2500 x 380 x 2100mm, weighed approx. 250kg and required 5 packers to carry the mirror
Because of its design, the gilt edging was too delicate to support the weight of the mirror and thus, the crate was designed to hang the mirror in the crate. The mirror was also screwed onto the crate from the back to prevent any slippage or movement in carrying and transport.
If you have any questions call us to discuss. We are happy to walk you through it.