As world-wide interest in the discovery of an ancient toilet seat in Northumberland continues a bespoke toilet seat manufacturer Tosca & Willoughby based in Oxfordshire have stepped forward and pledged a cash sum towards its preservation.
James Williams, Director of Tosca & Willoughby said ‘we are absolutely fascinated by the discovery of a perfectly preserved ancient loo seat, as our own seats are handcrafted we admire the Roman craftsmanship which in this case has certainly stood the test of time’.
Mr Williams approached the Vindolanda Trust to help support the conservation of this seat when discovering the Vindolanda Trust was funded by visitors to the site. Mr Williams went on to say ‘we realise our donation is a drop in the ocean when you consider the overall cost of excavation and the preservation of these fascinating artefacts but we hope our continued pledges will help even in a small way towards the work of the Trust’. Tosca & Willoughby will be producing a special edition version of their most popular Thunderbox seat, with a percentage of the sales going to the Vindolanda Trust.
Patricia Birley, Director of the Vindolanda Trust commented ‘the work undertaken at Vindolanda which includes annual excavations, conservation and public display of artefacts can only happen with the support of the general public. The Trust is therefore delighted to receive a donation towards the cost of preserving our Roman toilet seat. The Romans were well known for their fine craftsmanship and it is great to see these traditions continue in the U.K with companies like Tosca & Willoughby’.
The discovery of such a personal everyday item from nearly 2000 years ago has intrigued people across the world and its legacy will now continue with a special edition ‘Vindolanda’ Thunderbox seat being launched by Tosca & Willoughby in time for the ancient loo seat going on public display.
