Victorian homes did not have running water until the 1880s. Before that even wealthier homes had no bathroom but washing was done at the wash-stand, which belonged in the bedroom or dressing room. The wash-stand was a wooden dresser with a polished marble top and a back surface quite often decorated with colourful ceramic tiles. A collection of china vessels including a ewer (jug) and basin like the ones pictured here, a soap dish, shaving equipment, tooth brushes, and perhaps a brass can, filled by hand to supply hot water, stood on top.

A servant brought up hot water in a can or ewer from the kitchen, and later carried the dirty water downstairs.

When piped water arrived the same style of wash-stand was just plumbed with taps. However, it was soon found that the all-ceramic basin, which we still use today, was easier to clean and, as a result, more hygienic.

This shallow water basin is made of china and has a green pattern transfer-printed on it. It is part of a set which includes a chamber pot.