The Mirror Makers

Records show that as long ago as 400BC mirrors were used by the Egyptians and in more recent times, say the 7th century, they were being manufactured in Venice and Greece. The only manufacturer in the Nelson-Marlborough-West Coast district, however, is N. Savage and Co, of 15 North Esk Street (Victory Square). Mr Savage set up business here after coming from Christchurch, where he learned his trade from 1933.

On the surface, the art of turning a piece of glass into a mirror seems a simple one, but there are many pitfalls. The glass is first tinned with stannous chloride (a sticking agent). Then, silver nitrate solutions containing caustic soda, ammonia, sulphuric acid and sugar are mixed and poured on to the glass. This is allowed to settle after two coatings and the surplus chamoised off. After drying, shellac and special backing paints are applied.