subject: Belfast sinks - are they really what the Butler saw or is that just a load of old Irish . . . ? [print this page] Belfast sinks - are they really what the Butler saw or is that just a load of old Irish . . . ?
When it comes to ceramic sinks, the Belfast sink is the epitome of tradition and style adding an instant olde-worlde charm to the kitchen. However, for those who have pondered the question, just what is a Belfast sink?and is the Belfast sink and the Butler sink one and the same?Or, just where did it originate?, read on . . .
If you have a yearning to know how to tell your Belfast from your Butler, prepare to be enlightened. In actual fact, the Belfast sink is a style of Butler's sink, with the other being the London sink. Both are rectangular, ceramic sinks with a rounded rim which are set into thework surface, the difference being in depth, with the London sink being shallower. The reason for this is likely to be that London had less access to a fresh water supply and therefore needed to conserve water.Today's Belfast and Butler's sinks are now both shallow with the only real difference now being that the Belfast sink has an overflow weir to prevent water spillage.
Both the Belfast and Butler's sinks were originally made for the butler's pantry and when they were introduced towards the end of the 17th century, each major city was responsible for deciding the size and style of their sinks, hence the evolution of different types, such as the London butler sink and the Belfast butler sink and so on.
At the end of the 19th century, the French butler sink made an appearance and became increasingly popular due to the use of local French clay which was more refined and therefore produced more elegant modelswhich usually had thinner side walls. These farmhouse-style sinks enjoy an enduring popularity and today's manufacturers combine specialist materials with innovative design to offer a product of guaranteed durability and quality.
Fireclay ceramic sinks are very durable and virtually impossible to damage, thus the initial financial outlay can be recouped over time and are easy to maintain by using a non -abrasive liquid or cream cleanser to remove everyday stains.
Now that the mystery of what the Butler saw in the pantry has been unveiled, why not check out the new and exciting range on offer at Heatandplumb and give your kitchen a traditional makeover?
