Toilets
For some reason, people seem to be fascinated with toilets. I remember being absolutely fascinated by the chapter in Mud, Blood and Poppycock by Gordon Corrigan detailing the facilities on the Western Front during World War 1. I happened to read the chapter whilst having lunch in an African village not far from a long-drop. It’s amazing what one recalls.
It was proofreading Mark Brookes’ POETS Daywhich inspired this post. A number of the scenes in this hard hitting play take place either in our outside the Ladies’ or Gents’ loo.
Another TSL publication which deals with loos is Ray Wooster’s A Boy’s War Journal which explains how facilities on Drover’s Farm worked.
Even Andrew Samson’s The Moon is Toast: A year in the life of a cricket statistician has mention of the popular room. In particular see the entry on October 3. And so does Keith Howard’s Dunn and Dusted.
Probably one of the most famous toilet scenes is the opening to Trainspotting by Irvine Walsh; the book being more graphic than the film.
Thanks Pablo for the image
