GLASSLESS mirrors invented and made in the Potteries will feature in a Hollywood movie starring Nicole Kidman and Daniel Day-Lewis.

Fenton-based Glass Installations received a huge order from the producers of Nine for some innovative mirrors made using aluminium foil rather than glass.

It is understood the mirrors will be used in dance scenes for the film, which is an adaptation of a Broadway musical.

Managing director Bob Quarmby said the order vindicated years of working on a lightweight portable mirror, and the company has already received more orders for Hollywood films on the back of the deal.

He said: "We were contacted by a scenery company working on the film. It was a big surprise, especially when I heard how big a mirror they were asking for.

"I think the mirrors were was used for dance scenes. I can't wait to see the film. I am sure it is going to look amazing."

Article continues below

He added: "I am sure once they have tested them then they will be coming back to use these all the time on film sets.

"They are far easier to handle and they cost a hell of a lot less than a conventional mirror."

Producers of Nine, which is expected to be released next year, spent almost £38,000 on 30 aluminium mirrors from the Oldfields Business Park firm, which employs eight workers.

Each mirror measures 16ft. If they were laid out lengthways they would stretch further than a football pitch.

The order was dispatched to Shepperton Studios, in Surrey, and the mirrors were used in the film, based on the musical of the same name.

The mirrors are made using a metal-coated synthetic material stretched over an aluminium frame and heated to create a clear reflection. Mr Quarmby said they were originally invented for the fitness, hotel and leisure industries, but is now expecting more business from film sets.

Article continues below

He said: "I found there was foil that could be pulled taught when you applied heat to it. Since then it has taken two years to perfect, but if you stand in front of it now you wouldn't be able to tell it wasn't a conventional mirror. You can literally pick it up with two fingers."

The mirrors were designed alongside the Manufacturing Advisory Service – West Midlands and adviser Cliff Johnson, who helped hone the manufacturing process.