Useful for peeking around corners, spreading light in a room and distorting perspective, curved mirrors like these have gone out of fashion since this one was made in the early 1800s.

In 2014, the frame (and its identical partner object) were restored and new convex mirrors were made to fit. They were then reinstated in their original positions in the recreated Morning Room at Sir John Soane’s Museum as part of Phase 2 of Opening up the Soane.

Image with thanks to the Museum:

Circular mirror, XF317, English, one of a pair with XF340, unknown maker, early nineteenth century and 2015, gilt wood and glass. ©Sir John Soane's Museum, London. Photograph: Gareth Gardner.