A collection of sixteen 19th century mirrors from the city’s historic Theatre Royal will go under the hammer later this week at McTear’s.
The mirrors had been kept in storage following the multi-million-pound transformation of Glasgow’s longest running theatre a few years ago. With the restoration complete and new fittings installed, theatre owner,Scottish Opera is putting the pieces up for auction.
Alex Reedijk, general director of Scottish Opera, said: “These items, including a number of beautiful mirrors, are loaded with theatrical history. They are the last remaining fittings from the older part of the Theatre Royal, replaced with the addition of the spectacular new foyers in 2014, and we are keen to give others a unique opportunity to enjoy them and their connection with Glasgow's great cultural tradition by putting them to auction.”
The highly decorative mirrors come in varying sizes with a selection of wall, over mantel and floor standing lots expected to fetch several hundred pounds each. Estimates range from £40-60 to £200-400 (the latter for two separate 19th century gilt gesso pier glass mirrors, each 9ft/2.75m high).
As well as the mirrors, the Theatre Royal memorabilia will include two chandeliers, a selection of café tables and chairs, and a number of original mahogany doors.
The impressive gilded brass and crystal chandeliers are estimated at £500-1000 each.
One of the two chandeliers formerly at Glasgow Theatre Royal which are going on sale at the McTear's saleroom on November 17.
Rich heritage
Brian Clements, managing director at McTear’s, said: “The Theatre Royal has a long and rich heritage, and there is no doubt that over the past 150 years these mirrors will have reflected the images of many of the theatre world’s most revered performers.
"These are wonderful pieces - with tremendous provenance - and I am delighted that lovers of culture across the world will have the opportunity to bid for their very own piece of theatre history.”
The Theatre Royal is the oldest theatre in Glasgow and longest-running in Scotland. It opened in 1867 as the Royal Colosseum & Opera House, changing its name to the Theatre Royal in 1869. Today the theatre is the performance home of Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet.
