Captain Molloy’s Washstand

Captain John Molloy was born in London in 1786. After a distinguished career in the British military, he became one of the original settlers of Augusta and an influential public figure in Busselton. His wife Georgiana was a keen botanist who is credited with identifying much local flora, as well as the introduction of non-native species. 

This washstand was believed to have been used by Captain Molloy on his military campaigns and subsequently travelled with him when he and his wife emigrated to Australia in 1830. It is made of pine, as were other items of utilitarian furniture made in England in this period. The white enamel basin would have been used for washing and the different sized holes would have accommodated personal items used for shaving. Its compact size and light weight were probably the secret to its usefulness and longevity.