The early years of King George III's reign witnessed the introduction of water closets with controls for water supply and sliding valve flushing, and a variety of patents were taken out during the 1770's (see Water Closets, Gladstone Pottery Museum Catalogue, 1981). The serpentine form of this alcove-seat corresponds with that of the 'large Circular stools' supplied in 1777 to Edwin Lascelles, Lord Harewood for Harewood House by Thomas Chippendale (d.1778), cabinet-maker of St. Martin's Lane (one of the latter now belonging to the Chippendale Society was sold at Harewood House in Christie's house sale, 3 October 1988, lot 172). This mahogany lavatory seat is inscribed 1771, at which period Chippendale's partner William Reid had been supervising the various artisans working at the house for over a year. On 9 August that year, it was noted in the Day Work Book, compiled by the steward Samuel Popelwell under the heading 'Mr Thomas Chippendale & Co.', that twelve hours were spent fixing 'the carpet for Water Closett & pettycoates for toiletts'; and on the 19 August, another twelve were spent fixing up 'the toilet & severall other jobs' (C. Gilbert, The Life and Work of Thomas Chippendale, London, 1978, vol.1, p. 214).