A BRIEF HISTORY OF… THE BUTLER’S SINK

A stalwart of the servants’ quarters, the butler’s sink was a workhorse. Its durable, fireclay construction and generous size meant it was able to wash everything the household could throw at it. There are two styles: the London sink, which is shallower and has no overflow; and the Belfast, which is larger and features an overflow. There are two theories to account for the design differences. The first is that the London variations were put in place to conserve water, while Belfast’s plentiful water supply meant that conservation was not a factor in the design of the sink. The other suggests that London sinks were used for washing dishes in the scullery and Belfast sinks were used in the butler’s pantry, where larger items were washed. Regardless, the sink’s enduring style and versatility means it remains a firm favourite in our homes today.