C. 1920, Pair of Large Distorted Fairground Mirrors (English).
 
Two large examples of English fairground mirrors, one convex and one concave, dating to the early 20th century. It would appear that both mirrors may have originally been light blue as there are traces of blue coming through the black edges. The frames are counstructed of ebonised pine and the mirrors appear to be an adhesive film, with age to them.
 
** Price is for the pair.
 
A house, or hall of mirrors is a traditional attraction at funfairs and amusement parks; the basic concept, a maze-like puzzle. The mirrors may be distorted because of different curves, convex or concave, to give the participants unusual and confusing reflections of themselves to be either humorous or frightening.

The origins of the house of mirrors stem from the hall of mirrors in the Palace of Versailles. Upon a visit to France to discuss colonial land agreements, Peter Stuyvesant arrived at the Palace of Versailles and gazed upon the hall of mirrors present in the palace. Peter became determined to bring this amazement to the newly founded colonial city of New Amsterdam, of which he was governor. Peter Stuyvesant's House of Mirrors was founded in 1651 and he charged one Dutch gulden for admission.
 
CONDITION:
 
Signs of age. Frame is solid. Paint in good condition. Mirrored film has some foxing. No major scratches.
 
COLLECTION:
 
Buyer must collect, or arrange collection, from Westbury, Wiltshire.