Accession Number

2009.019.025

Description

A fine sterling silver-framed easel-type beveled mirror, the majority of the frame's decoration consisting of pierced acanthus vines and flowers, the cartouche at the top centre with the initials 'JOM' (for Joan Olive Macdonald) engraved, the blue cloth behind the mirror with a blue cloth pull-out stand, the bottom centre of the silver frame hallmarked 'HM' - for Henry Matthews 1894-1930, Vittoria Street, Birmingham, England, the hallmarks dating the frame at 1902.

Narrative

This silver-framed beveled mirror with incorporated stand, made in 1902, is part of a larger accession of material donated by a Dunsmuir descendant. It is monogrammed, “JOM” and stands for Joan Olive Macdonald (nee Bryden), the donor's grandmother. She was a granddaughter of Robert and Joan Dunsmuir. Her marriage to Alastair Douglas Macdonald occurred in Victoria at Christ Church Cathedral on June 22, 1910.

History of Use

This mirror was used Joan Olive Bryden (Mrs. Alastair Douglas Macdonald) after her 1910 marriage to Mr. Macdonald and taken to Duntulm, the North Saanich, B.C. farm she shared with him. There were three daughters from this marriage, and the mirror was inherited by one of them, Elizabeth Mary Katherine Macdonald (1911-1979), and then by her son, who donated it to The Castle Society. 

The mirror might have been given to Joan Olive Macdonald (nee Bryden) as a wedding present on June 22, 1910 by Dr. and Mrs. Powell.<sup>1

1. "MILITARY WEDDING - VERY PRETTY CHURCH CEREMONY YESTERDAY - Nuptials of Capt. A.D. Macdonald and Miss Joan Olive Bryden Celebrated", Victoria Daily Times, Thursday, June 23, 1910, p.8. Among the many gifts is listed, "Dr. and Mrs. Powell, large silver framed mirror..."</sup>

Date

1902

Dimensions

44.5 x 31.5 cm

Material

Metal, silver; Glass; Fabric

Technique

Repoussed; Embossed; Engraved

Inscription

JOM ( for Joan Olive Macdonald)

Country of Origin

United Kingdom