Antique Wooden Loom Shuttle / Textile Tool Mirror – Rustic Industrial Folk Art

Antique Wooden Loom Shuttle / Textile Tool Mirror – Rustic Industrial Folk Art

17 cm wide

3 cm depth

72 cm tall

A wonderfully characterful piece of textile history, this unusual wall mirror has been created from what appears to be a large antique wooden weaving shuttle or related loom tool, probably dating from the late 19th to early 20th century.

The substantial piece of timber has a wonderfully sculptural form, tapering to a long point at one end with a broad working end at the other. Its original central opening has later been fitted with a narrow mirror, turning a once purely practical textile implement into a quirky and highly decorative piece of industrial folk art.

The wood is particularly appealing. Years of use have left it with knocks, scratches, worn edges, darkened areas and numerous channels and holes from historic insect activity. Rather than detracting, this weathered surface gives the piece exactly the sort of untouched, utilitarian character we love in genuine working objects.

The reverse retains a much darker, almost blackened surface, together with the later backing and fixings associated with its conversion into a mirror.

A Little History

Wooden shuttles were an essential part of traditional weaving, carrying the weft yarn backwards and forwards through the warp of a loom. Different types and sizes were produced according to the loom and fabric being woven; industrial textile production employed an enormous variety of specialised wooden shuttles and associated loom tools.

Old textile equipment has become increasingly popular as decorative salvage, particularly pieces retaining heavy working wear and patina. We have found examples of vintage weaving shuttles being repurposed as rustic mirrors and other decorative objects.

In this case we have not found a maker's mark and, because the piece has been substantially adapted, we prefer to describe its original function as a probable loom shuttle or associated weaving tool rather than make a more specific attribution.

Condition: Very characterful antique/vintage condition with extensive surface wear, scratches, knocks, marks, losses and evidence of historic insect activity throughout the timber. The dark reverse and mirror fittings are part of the later conversion. Please study the photographs carefully as the considerable wear forms an important part of its appearance.