Sizing information
| Overall size (inc frame) | x cm ( x in) |
| Depth | cm (in) |
| Artwork | x cm ( x in) |
| Border (mount) |
cm
top/bottom
(in)
cm left/right (in) |
| The paper size of our wall art shipped from the US is sized to the nearest inch. | |
Mirror polishing frame
This is a polishing frame, a ratchet for polishing mirrors up to 7inches diameter. It is a component of one of William Herschel's smaller polishing machines. When the Herschels were polishing telescope mirrors they fixed them in a special frame to ensure an even finish. The mirrors were made of a metal alloy (speculum, an alloy of copper and tin) which tarnished fairly easily, so they had to be re-polished at intervals.
William Herschel developed machines for polishing mirrors while building his 40ft telescope when the mirrors he was making became to large for the work to be done by hand. After 1789 when the 40ft was completed he started to apply the same principles to building polishing machines for smaller mirrors.
- Image reference: F3351
- National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Herschel Collection
Discover more
More by this artist
Search for similar images
Product images of Mirror polishing frame
Our framed prints
Every framed picture is created by hand in our workshop by specialist framers.
Black, white, brown, silver, gold or natural frames available, supplied ready to hang.
All our frames have a smooth satin finish, and measure 20mm (front face) by 23mm (depth from wall).
Read more about our framed art prints.
Manufactured in the UK
All products are printed in the UK, using the latest digital presses and a giclée printmaking process.
We only use premium branded inks, and colours are independently verified to last between 100 and 200 years.
Delivery & returns
We print everything to order so delivery times may vary but all framed pictures are despatched within 5-7 days via courier or recorded mail.
Due to the coronovirus pandemic and Brexit situation, current shipping times may be longer, particularly for destinations outside the UK.
Delivery to the UK is £10 for a single framed print.
We will happily replace your order if everything isn’t 100% perfect.
