Object Description
A rare and original early 20th century First Class steam ship double sink unit by the Cunard Steam Ship Co. dating back to circa 1905.
Should passengers on Cunard Ships in the late 19th and early 20th centuries have been fortunate enough to afford a First Class ‘Stateroom’ cabin, they would have enjoyed the luxuries of a double vanity unit such as this one.
Designed with space-saving and functionality in mind, these innovative mahogany cabinets concealed the wash basins when not required via two convenient hinged pull-out cabinet doors. When in use, the porcelain sinks could be filled by pressing the tap – releasing water from the manually-filled reservoir housed above which was cleverly disguised behind the mirror – and then simply closed once finished, the water from the bowl emptying into two trays hidden beneath and disposed of manually.
Accompanied by an array of shelving, drawers and storage, this vanity unit was a feat of craftsmanship and functionality!
While we don’t know for certain which of the Cunard Line’s steamships this vanity unit came from, the company built two legendary 32,000 ton express liners around this time: the RMS Lusitania, which sank years later in 1915 during WWI, and the RMS Mauretania. This sink unit could have been taken from the RMS Mauretania following its retirement in 1935.
This sink model was later retired, an article from ‘The Morning Post’ from 19th November 1935 detailing how the cabins had been further adapted over some 30 years to create more spacious and comfortable cabins (pictured).
A similar single example of the First Class Stateroom sink can be found in The Mariners’ Museum in Virginia, USA.
This antique steam ship sink unit is in remarkably original condition. Deserving of a museum, it is an excellent example of early Edwardian solutions for sanitation and hygiene on passenger transport. Alternatively, it could be used as a period prop for a film or tv production, or even be incorporated into an interior, becoming an instant talking point of your home!
Includes associated paperwork and articles as pictured.