Unlocking the Mystery: The True Purpose of Spy Mirrors
July 12, 2024
Source: flickr
A conventional street mirror or spy mirror or gossip mirror, is a pair of mirrors that lie outside a house window. The mirrors are arranged in such a way that they allow a person inside to have vision of the activities on the street in both directions.
The term street mirrors also known as traffic mirrors which are mounted to enables motorists view around corner with the aim of improving traffic flow.
Street mirrors appeared at the end of the nineteenth century – about the mid of the nineteenth century. At that time, homeowners who were rich, but wanted to secretly watch the goings-on on the street would carry their old mirrors to a blacksmith. The blacksmith would create a frame that would allow the mirrors to be positioned in way that would allow the blacksmith to have a full view of the surrounding area. This was beneficial to the residents to be able to watch out for intruders, people passing by, or even events in the street while they remain hidden from view thus enhancing seclusion and security in their homes.
Spy mirrors were not only useful objects but also represented people’s social status. The presence of such a mirror meant that the owner of the house was well off and could afford personally made fixtures and also had the wisdom of integrating the useful with the beautiful. Along with increase in the population and complexity of the life in cities, these mirrors served as a simple yet efficient means for people to be aware of their surroundings and become more involved with their fellow community members.
