Porcelain toilet by Johnson Bros
Object No. 86/1812
The toilet is an important item illustrating 'deep-seated' nationalistic sentiment in Australia at the turn of the 20th century. It features a novel use of the kangaroo motif in the decorative arts and shows interesting use of classical ornament applied to everyday objects. It is a good example of a British product manufactured expressly for the Australian market and complements an earlier toilet we have in the collection with blue-transfer printing (in the Italianate arcadian mode) applied only to the inside of the bowl. The toilet illustrates the culmination of a series of 19th century developments/inventions in sanitation and hygiene.
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Summary
Object Statement
Toilet, 'The Imperial' water closet, with 'Advance Australia' motto, transfer printed, porcelain, made by Johnson Bros. (Hanley) Ltd, England, 1880-1910, removed from a house St Kilda, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, before 1986
Physical Description
Pedestal toilet transfer-printed in blue with scrolling foliage and arabesques on the front, sides and rim of the exterior, and on sides of the interior. The back of the bowl is printed with the British coat of arms. An unofficial Australian coat of arms, with a fleece, ship, crossed pick and spade, and sheaf in the four quarters features on the rear of the bowl, The coat of arms is surmounted by a crown, backed by flags and flanked by lion and kangaroo supporters, with the motto 'Advance Australia' on a ribbon below. The maker's name 'Johnson Brothers (Hanley) Ltd' and the country of manufacture 'England' are printed on a ribbon above the coat of arms while the pattern name, 'The Imperial' is printed below.
DIMENSIONS
Height
438 mm
Width
375 mm
Depth
645 mm
PRODUCTION
Notes
The toilet was made by Johnson Bros. (Hanley) Ltd., England, 1880-1910.
HISTORY
Notes
The toilet was removed from a house in St. Kilda, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Purchased 1986
Acquisition Date
17 December 1986
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