An Irish giltwood pier mirror by Francis and John Booker, Dublin

the backboard with printed paper label: Frans & John / Booker / Essex Bridge / Dublin, all within a floral cartouche; the backboard also with a penciled inscription 29 / from / floor and the penciled letter B at the bottom.  Reduced, formerly the inner section of a larger mirror.

Gene Tyson, Inc., New York, 1976

Overall good condition, central mirror plate later, auxiliary mirror plates appear to be original, minor losses to carved decoration, chips to foliate-carved elements, backboard with age crack widthwise
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The firm of Francis and John Booker, sons of John Booker (d. 1750), 'Looking-glass manufacturer,' Essex Bridge, Dublin, took over their father's business after his death and was one of two principal glass sellers in Dublin in the third quarter of the 18th century.  It appears that the firm did not make the frames for their mirror plates until after Francis's death in 1772, when John advertised himself as 'Looking Glass-seller, Carver and Gilder, No 6 Essex-bridge.'   The present lot was formerly the inner section of a larger mirror, probably after a design of William Jones from The Gentlemen's or Builders Companion, 1739, with flanking engaged columns and a pediment (see: The Knight of Glin and James Peill, Irish Furniture, New Haven: Yale University Press, 2007, pp. 140-146, figs. 190, 192-194.  Cf. a related example, sold Christie's, London, November 23, 1967, lot 102, removed from Belvedere House, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, Ireland.