Original Rare Decorative Glazed Fireclay Bath By Twyfords

An incredibly rare original glazed fireclay bath 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 part of Twyford’s own company museum. It includes a splashback - which Ben can be seen holding in position in photo 4 - and a period Twyfords silent fill tap and waste set, which could be adapted for use with the bath.

Crafted from stoneware, this large antique bath tub features a cane coloured glaze to the exterior, decorated with ornate white 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.

Height with splashback: 98.5 cm (38.77 in)

CONDITION REPORT

For restoration. Good structural condition. Transports as 7 pieces. Splashback with historic repair to the centre. Loss of glaze to the outside front left edge. Partial original silent fill inlet and waste. A few chips and small scuffs to inside of bath. Hairline crack from the base of the silent fill inlet down towards the waste along with wear to the glaze and crazing; this could be filled and airbrushed by a restorer. Left hand edge is unglazed and has four manufacturer's stand points from where the bath would've been stood up when glazing.