Washbasin

At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, bathrooms became more common in townhouses, single-family homes and public buildings. The basic bathroom facilities consisted of a bathtub, radiator and a shower. Washbasins, which saw a rise in popularity in the 20th century, replaced water bowls and jugs that had been used before. One company that stood out among the manufacturers of washbasins – the England-based Johnson Brothers, founded in 1883 – managed to develop a ceramic material referred to as “white granite,” which resembled porcelain in appearance. At first it was used to produce tableware, which became very popular due to its durability and low price. In the wake of its success, the company started manufacturing bathroom fixtures, including washbasins, in 1896. Johnson Brothers grew thanks to introducing their own unique designs adorning their products, such as the Old Britain Castles and Historic America – the latter sold on the American market and presented major events in American history. The company operated continuously until 2015.

Anna Lew-Machniak