Dominic Schuster, the antique mirror and glass specialist, explains his fascination with mirrors and the meticulous processes involved in replicating natural degradation
I understand that your roots are in the restoration and conservation of antiques. But now you specialise in antiqued and gilded glass. How did that come about? The shift from restoration to manufacturing really began when I first encountered a large pier glass with a broken mirror plate back in 1999. At the time, I was focused on restoring decorative antiques, but it became clear that there was a demand for new mirrors that replicated the antique look. I experimented with foxing new glass to create that authentic aged effect, which led me to expand into the manufacturing of antiqued and gilded glass. Over the years, this side of the business has grown significantly, allowing us to offer bespoke pieces that capture the beauty of aged mirrors while catering to modern and contemporary tastes.
Can you explain the process involved in creating different mirror finishes? Creating different mirror finishes is a meticulous process that involves various techniques to replicate the natural degradation seen in antique mirrors. At Dominic Schuster we start with clear or tinted glass, depending on the desired finish, and then use traditional methods to silver and age the glass. This can include foxing, where we add controlled oxidisation to create patterns reminiscent of mercury or silver degradation. We also incorporate unique elements like bronze or gold powders to achieve a softer look. Finishes like our Mercury Sparkle and Heavy Mercury are popular for their authentic, worn look. Each piece is treated as a canvas, and the process is very much about balancing the right amount of distress and patina to suit the client’s vision. However, artistic license must be granted!
What is the appeal of antiqued mirror glass? Antiqued mirror glass offers a timeless aesthetic that evokes a sense of history and character, adding warmth and depth to an interior, creating the illusion of the room being larger than it actually is. Unlike modern flat plate glass, we often use mouth-blown cylinder drawn glass with beautiful undulations, dimples & bubbles to further replicate the beauty of older mirror glass. The appeal lies in its ability to reflect not just light, but a narrative—each mirror tells its own story with the irregularities and unique imperfections that mimic the natural wear of antique pieces. It’s particularly favoured for creating a softer, more atmospheric reflection, avoiding the harshness of modern, flat mirrors. Whether used in traditional or contemporary settings, antiqued mirror glass brings a touch of elegance and authenticity that resonates with people seeking something that has been hand crafted and is truly bespoke.
What service do you offer interior designers? We work closely with interior designers to create custom antiqued mirrors and glass pieces tailored to their specific projects. From initial discussions via email or Zoom to studio visits, we ensure clear communication throughout the process. We can craft virtually anything, from mirrored walls to decorative pieces using techniques such as Verre Églomisé, hand-drawn glass, and gilded finishes. For each project, we consider the space, the lighting, and the overall design aesthetic, offering a wide range of finishes. Our aim is to provide designers with unique pieces that will stand the test of time and elevate their interiors.
As well as various mirror finishes, you also have a collection of finished pieces. Tell me about the latest additions to the collection. This year has been an exciting one for us. We’ve introduced a range of new designs that reflect our continued exploration of traditional techniques in contemporary settings. One of the standout additions is the Verde Antico, made from mouth-blown cylinder drawn glass with a beautifully irregular undulation. We’ve also launched the beautiful Baku with its hand painted detailing, the Bauhaus inspired Eclipse tryptic (Eclipse mirror in bronze and red gold above) and our first foray into a new series of furniture with the M Table, which draws inspiration from an iconic design by Giacometti for Jean-Michel Frank, all handmade using traditional methods to create elegant, yet modern pieces.
Each mirror is designed to bring a subtle sophistication to any space, blending classic craftsmanship with a contemporary edge. We’re always pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve with glass while maintaining the high standards of quality and craftsmanship that define us as a studio.
You can explore the Dominic Schuster collection here and if you enjoyed this read, you might also like my conversation with Rupert Bevan
