On the Toilette Table

Getting ready requires not only the make-up, wigs and clothing but also the equipment used to applying these things. Today, we have perfectly circular cotton pads, q-tips, colourful brushes etc. and similar items could be found on the toilette table of a courtier at Versailles. At the time it was very common to have small sets of the "nécessaire" made to match each other of luxurious materials - they were often delivered in practical cases or boxes ready to be carried with the owner.

Toiletries

"Bourdaloues"

A Bourdaloue is the French term for a chamber pot which would often be very decoratively carried out and in fine porcelain. It is almost a shame to think of what they were used for!