Flashback Friday! The History Of The Mirror

Bell Mirror & Glass, Inc.

1702 S. Seneca Street, Wichita, KS 67213

316-262-8642

www.bellmirrorandglass.com

Ancient man first discovered a need for mirrors when they caught a glimpse of their reflection in a river and instantly became embarrassed that they left the cave without brushing their hair.  Okay, we're not exactly sure about the last part, but it's true that the first form of a mirror came in the reflection of pools of water. 

Many years later the first man-made mirrors were created, not of glass, but of natural materials that were polished and had the ability to reflect an image.  As man (and the mirror) evolved, people started using heavy metals such as copper, bronze, gold and silver to make mirrors.  The problem with using these types of elements was that they were not reflective, thus defeating its purpose. 

It wasn't until the Middle Ages that glass mirrors, similar to the ones we use today, were first made.  Technology was still new so making a mirror wasn't an easy task and proved to be costly.  Finally, the Renaissance period brought advanced technology used to make the developing techniques manageable.  The mirror finally produced a clear image and became a staple for artists painting self-portraits. 

The rest is history! Over time, minor adjustments were made and the mirror evolved into what we use today.  Bell Mirror and Glass offers custom cut mirrors in a variety of colors.  Contact us to learn more about your custom shaping and shaving options! We'll be glad to help! To learn more about the history of the mirror, click here!