Rare Twyfords Antique Glazed Stoneware Bath Tub

Object Description

An incredibly rare antique glazed stoneware bath tub manufactured by Twyfords in the 1890s. This fantastic piece of English sanitaryware history is one of two similar Twyfords baths we have for sale ex. the Simon Kirby Museum of Bathroom Sanitaryware.

Prior to entering Kirby’s private collection, this antique bath was previously situated in Somerset House, London; formerly a Tudor palace belonging to the Duke of Somerset.

Crafted from fire clay, this large antique bath tub features an off-white coloured glaze to the exterior, decorated with ornate cane coloured swag embellishments; a rare find, as baths like these manufactured by Twyfords normally had plain exteriors.

It is elevated by four original matching glazed stoneware feet and is gloriously deep, a teak wood rail to the front edge aiding access into and out of the curved tub.

Once restored and functioning, this antique bath will make an exceptional heritage piece for a period bathroom, offering a rare opportunity to purchase a true antique of English sanitaryware history.

Find out more about Simon Kirby’s outstanding collection here.

Object Condition

For restoration. Good structural condition. Two tap holes present but no taps. No splashback. Transports as 5 pieces. No waste present; would’ve originally had a silent fill with a combined waste and fill pipe. Some wear, chips and cracks to the glaze. Small losses to applied decoration. Chips and scuffs throughout, particularly to the back left edge where a piece has been glued back into place. Small cracks around the waste towards the silent fill inlet. Left hand edge has four covered manufacturer’s stand points from where the bath would’ve been stood up when glazing.

Object Details