A charming 19th century “Bordaloue” in white porcelain with a blue floral transfer design under the glaze. This was used by ladies as far back as the 17th century as a discrete travelling convenience, which could be concealed in a muff.

The word is said to have originated from Louis Bourdaloue, a French preacher during the reign of Louis XIVth whose inordinately long sermons required a means for necessity in Church! Some also believe that this is the origin for the term “loo”.

• From the Phisick collection