Antique Reverse Painted Glass Pin Cushion

Brighton Seaside * Circa 1850

This antique disc style pin cushion has a reverse painted beveled glass picture on one side and a beveled mirror on the reverse. The painted side illustrates the waterfront and pier at Brighton. The design was actually hand painted onto the back of the glass following a black line print transfer that was applied first. Silver and gold leaf was also applied under the glass to accent and add sparkle to the design. It has the original cushion in between and even still has its little silk tab at the top.

It measures almost 1 3/4" in diameter and is in very nice condition. The mirror has a tiny surface chip at the edge but there are no cracks or other loss to either side. The cushion has lots of old pins and is worn. Some English reverse painted glass pin discs are shown on p. 141 of Nerylla Taunton's book Antique Needlework Tools and Embroideries and on p. 139 of Bridget McConnel's book The Story of Antique Needlework Tools.

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