20 Vintage Photographs of Public Urinals in Paris in the 19th Century

Charles Marville (1813–1879) was a French photographer, who mainly photographed architecture, landscapes and the urban environment.

By the end of the 1850s, Marville had established a reputation as an accomplished and versatile photographer. From 1862, as official photographer for the city of Paris, he documented aspects of the radical modernization program. In this capacity, Marville photographed the city's oldest quarters, and especially the narrow, winding streets slated for demolition. Many of his photographs celebrate its glamour and comforts, but sometimes he also captured a normal life. One of the his favorite topics were public toilets.

City Market, c. 1875

Boulevard des Batignolles, c. 1875

Ground la Muette, c. 1875

Boulevard Ornano, c. 1875

Ground la Muette, c. 1875

Square des Batignolles, c. 1875

The Stock Exchange, c. 1875

Madeleine market, c. 1875

Petit Palace Pipi, c. 1874

French Theatre, c. 1875

Banquet facilities, 1875

Columns Rambuteau, pont d'Arcole, c. 1865

Floor of Maine, c. 1875

Place of the Church, c. 1875

Theatre Ambigu, c. 1875

Avenue Victoria, c. 1875

Urinal seater light, c. 1875

c. 1875

Saint-Sulpice, c. 1875

The Champs Elysees, c. 1875

(Photos via Vergue)