Not so long ago, the dolly tub was the hardest-working object in the house. Today it's more likely to be holding an olive tree by the back door. Few pieces make the leap from purely practical to purely decorative quite so gracefully.
What was a dolly tub?
Before washing machines became common in British homes, washday, traditionally Monday, was a long and physical job. Clothes were soaked and agitated by hand in a large tub, and the tub was named after the tool used with it: the dolly, a wooden pole with short legs at the bottom and a handle across the top. It was plunged and twisted through the washing to work the dirt out.
In some parts of the country the dolly was known as a peggy, and the tub as a peggy tub. Another common tool was the posser, a plunger with a perforated metal head. The washing was then wrung out, often through a mangle, before being hung to dry.
Early tubs were made by coopers from wooden staves. Later, many were made from galvanised steel, steel coated in zinc to stop it rusting, and ribbed or corrugated to make the thin metal stronger. It's those metal tubs, with their distinctive ridges, that most people picture today.
Tubs like these were used across Britain and the Continent. Many of the originals we source come from Belgium.
Originals and reproductions
We sell both, and it's worth knowing the difference.
Original dolly tubs are genuine vintage pieces. Ours date from the 1930s, and each one is different, with its own dents, marks and weathered finish. They typically stand around 48–53 cm high and 44–48 cm across. See our original 1930s dolly tubs and original Belgian dolly tubs.
Reproduction dolly tubs are newly made in the traditional shape. Our large dolly tub planter is a zinc reproduction of the Belgian style, 56 cm high and 48 cm across, and made with a drainage rim at the base, so it's ready for planting.
Choose an original for authenticity and patina. Choose a reproduction for a consistent look, particularly if you want a matching pair or a row.
Using a dolly tub as a planter
A dolly tub makes a generous planter with room for a substantial root system — ideal for a statement plant.
Plants that work well
- Olive trees and bay trees, for a year-round focal point
- Lavender, rosemary and other Mediterranean herbs
- Spring bulbs, followed by summer bedding
- Grasses, which soften the ribbed metal beautifully
- A potted Christmas tree in winter
Drainage matters. Plants will not survive long in standing water. Reproduction planters with a drainage rim are ready to use. An original tub may have no drainage at all, so you'll need to add holes in the base using a drill and a bit suited to metal, or stand a pot inside it instead.
Fill it properly. Put a layer of broken pots or gravel in the bottom to help water drain away, then fill with a good-quality compost suited to your plant. A full tub is very heavy, so put it in its final position before you fill it.
Lift it off the ground. Standing the tub on pot feet or a couple of bricks lets water escape and helps protect the base.
Growing herbs and edibles. Many gardeners grow herbs in galvanised containers without any trouble. If you'd rather avoid contact between the metal and your soil, simply stand a plastic pot or liner inside the tub.
Other ways to use one
- Log store. A dolly tub beside a wood burner or open fire is practical and looks at home. Put a mat underneath to protect the floor.
- Drinks cooler. Fill it with ice for a summer party or a wedding.
- Laundry basket. A fitting return to where it started, and a handsome one.
- Umbrella and walking stick stand in a hallway.
- Side table. Top it with a round of timber, glass or marble.
- Toy or blanket storage in a living room or playroom.
- Kindling or garden tools by the back door.
Caring for galvanised metal
Galvanised metal ages well. Over time its bright finish weathers to a soft, mottled grey, and that patina is a large part of the appeal.
- Wipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly. Avoid harsh abrasives, which can strip the protective zinc coating.
- White powdery deposits can appear on galvanised metal exposed to moisture. They can be brushed away.
- Spots of rust on old tubs can be treated with a wire brush and sealed with a clear protective coat, if you'd like to slow them down.
- Indoors, place a mat or tray underneath, especially on wooden floors.
- Outdoors, originals can be left out, but will continue to weather and age — which, for most people, is exactly the point.
Find your dolly tub
Browse our full range of dolly tubs and crates, including original 1930s tubs, reproduction planters, matching pairs, tea chests and vintage galvanised buckets.