Inspiration

This Commode possibly dates from the early 1800s and it was another sale purchase. It was in a sorry state although all parts seem to be original and sound , no woodworm. The top and the step top are upholstered with a carpet type fabric. The step fabric has a lot more colour than the lid’s fabric but both are in good condition. I have repolished this with several coats of shellac and I am very pleased with the result. Inside is the chamber pot – this would make an excellent plant pot holder! Without the pot inside there is a good storage space. A nice round tray on the top would turn this commode into a very useful table. These commodes sometimes had a circle of marble in the top and a skilled craftsperson could do this with slate or a nice piece of timber thus giving this item another couple of hundred years of life. It is a conversation piece and focal point for many rooms especially the bedroom.