Illus. 46.—Corner Washstand,
1790.
The little towel-rack is of somewhat later date and is made of maple, stained. The washbowl and pitcher are dark-blue Staffordshire ware, with the well-known design of the “Tomb of Franklin” upon them.
While the corner washstand possessed the virtues of taking up but little room, and being out of the way, the latter consideration must have been keenly felt by those who, with head thrust into the corner, were obliged to use it.
A square washstand of more convenient shape, but still constructed for the small bowl and pitcher, is shown in Illustration [48]. It is of mahogany and is in the style that was used from 1815 to 1830. This washstand is owned by Mrs. E. A. Morse of Worcester.
Both corner and square washstands have an opening in the top, into which was set the washbowl, and two—sometimes three—small openings for the little cups which were used to hold the soap.
Hepplewhite’s book, published in 1789, shows designs of “night tables” like the one in Illustration [49], but they are not often found in this country.
Illus. 47.—Towel-rack and Washstand, 1790-1800.
This table is of mahogany, with tambour doors, and a carved rim around the top, pierced at each side to form a handle. The wood of the interior of the drawer is oak, showing that the table was probably made in England. It is owned by the writer.