A-Z of Ceramics - V is for Veilleuse

This unusual device derives its name from the French for a night vigil. It was used to keep a drink or portion of semi-liquid food warm at night-time, initially only at the bedside of infants or invalids, but from about 1800 for more general use. In the days before electric timers, it was the nearest thing to a combined 'teasmade' and nightlight.

It consists of a hollow pedestal with pierced vents surmounted by either a covered food bowl or a small teapot. The heat source is oil burned by means of a floating wick, located in a tiny bowl in the bottom of the pedestal. Veilleuses were made in tin-glazed earthenware, creamware, stoneware, porcelain and bone china. They were chiefly made between 1750 and about 1860.

Food warmer or 'Veilleuse', made at the Niderviller pottery and porcelain factory, France, about 1775-1785. Museum no. C.258-1951. Stuart G. Davis Bequest. Tin-glazed earthenware painted in enamel colours.

Food warmer or 'Veilleuse', Staffordshire (possibly), England, about 1780-1800. Museum no. 3548-1901. Night lamp and cover of lead-glazed cream coloured earthenware with pierced and moulded ornament.