Temples of Convenience and Chambers of Delight

by lucinda-lambton

Indispensable but much taken for granted, few inventions have done as much to ease the human lot as the lavatory. In this new edition of Temples of Convenience and Chambers of Delight , Lucinda Lambton explores the development of the lavatory from the latrine and the garderobe to the sophisticated and exquisitely decorated piece of sanitary engineering that turned a bodily necessity into an aesthetic delight. Here are 150 captioned, color images of the brilliant and amusing designs she uncovered in her search across Britain, from cherub-bedecked bathtubs to a toilet fashioned as a lion. Lucinda Lambton is the author of An Album of Curious Houses .

Genres: History

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think that I would actually purchase a copy of this, except maybe as a slightly tongue-in-cheek housewarming gift for a very understanding friend, but I found it at the library, and spent a thoroughly enjoyable hour just flipping through it and marveling. My absolute favorite part, was the picture of a political protest chamberpot, with a portrait of an unpopular politician at the bottom of the pot, to help you improve your aim and enjoy your morning release all the more! I admit that I have never so strongly coveted a chamberpot before in my life.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a book on the beauty of commodes of old. Yes, toilets. From the delicately painted porcelain of the late nineteenth century to now and then way back to the days of a communal trough where folk would gather and chat a bit while "doing their duty."

[Adam Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of many engaging books by this author.