TOILET PAPER
Dimensions4.5 x 16 x 10.5 cm
Object numberHF.76.228.1.5
DescriptionRectangular package of "Anglo-Saxon" toilet paper. Enclosed in a paper wrapper and stacked in single sheets, the package has a small metal hook running through the pieces. The wrapper is white with blue printed text and depictions of two flags in the centre: on the left is a Union Jack and on the right is the Royal Standard of the United Kingdom, featuring two panels with 3 lions, one with a harp and one with a red dragon. The top and bottom borders appear to be repeating oak leaves. Narrative
The market for toilet paper only began to pick up with an increase in public awareness as to the importance of personal hygiene. Packaged toilet paper, such as this, began to be sold commercially in the mid 19th century. Some were packaged loosely, while other companies began to roll their product. These packages of Anglo-Saxon toilet paper are single sheets of paper with a cardboard backing and wire hook running through. The two-ply toilet paper popular today was first sold by of St. Andrew’s Paper Mill, England in 1942.
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