A frameless advertising mirror for the Commercial Union Assurance Company Limited of Cornhill, London

A rare and wonderful survivor, this frameless Commercial Union advertising mirror of Cornhill, London is a superbly decorative piece and a little bit of history, as on August 6th 1927 the CU building collapsed in a dramatic turn of events. Staff were on hand the next day to rescue furniture and paperwork, and this is one such rare piece.

On the Aviva Archive website (https://avivaarchive.medium.com/cornhill-collpase-1a9712955e5a) there is a fascinating account:

“At 3 minutes to midnight on 6th August 1927 part of the 6 storey Commercial Union building in Cornhill London fell, floor by floor, into a 55 ft deep pit. The pit had been dug alongside the building as part of excavations for the new Lloyds Bank head office which was being built next door. Eye-witnesses described the ground shaking — and the noise, which was like a series of bombs falling, was heard nearly a mile away.

Members of Commercial Union staff were at the scene early that Sunday morning. Several directors and the company secretary, Mr Dewhirst, took off their coats and joined in the salvage efforts to rescue furniture and papers from the dust and debris. The accounts department formed a human chain to move their books to safety and pile them up in the entrance hall.”

You’ll not find another, so snap up this truly charming, historic mirror, complete with its original hanging chain.

Dimensions:

All approximate

46cm width

30.5cm height

Condition:

Where there are specific points to note we will detail these as far as possible but please be aware that all our items have wear commensurate with age and are as seen in the photographs. If you require any specific information please do not hesitate to get in contact. As seen in the images, but not limited to: this mirror has signs of its age- there will be some surface scratches and there is foxing to the slivering. There are no chips, cracks or losses to the glass. Corners sound/intact.

Collection only

Please note: This item cannot be shipped but we have an excellent and competitive bespoke courier service. Please email us for more information or a quote. If you wish to collect in person, or to use our courier service, please select "Pick up" at checkout.