Chamber pot, Netherlands, 1651-1780

Made:
1651-1780 in Netherlands
Chamber pot, tin glazed earthenware, probably Dutch, 1651-1780 Chamber pot, tin glazed earthenware, probably Dutch, 1651-1780

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Chamber pot, tin glazed earthenware, probably Dutch, 1651-1780
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Chamber pot, tin glazed earthenware, probably Dutch, 1651-1780
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Chamber pot, tin glazed earthenware, probably Dutch, 1651-1780

Chamber pots were used in the home or hospitals at a time when most toilets were outside – or non-existent. In the 1700s, chamber pots were often emptied out of windows straight into the street, sometimes with the cry “gardy loo” (from the French gardez l’eau, or “watch for the water”).

The blue and white design indicates that the chamber pot is probably from the Netherlands. The design shows country scenes, including a maid milking a cow.

Details

Category:
Public Health & Hygiene
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A1189
Materials:
earthenware, tin glazed and ceramic
Measurements:
overall: 160 mm x 320 mm x 365 mm, 223 mm, 1.62kg
type:
chamber pot
credit:
On loan from the Wellcome Trust