Of all the wonderful things to photograph in London, Agnese Sanvito chose one that most Londoners avoid, unless they have to —public toilets.

The phenomenon of public toilets that were once common in Ancient Rome disappeared after the fall of the great empire until it emerged in its modern form in large European cities, first in Paris, then in Berlin and in London in 1851. By paying a penny or two, Londoners could descend into subterranean restrooms to do their business without fouling up the city above. Most of these facilities closed after the Second World War, but you can still see their remains around London. They are easy to spot. They usually have glamorous iron-work railing outside, with stairs leading to the underground. These are the toilets, Agnese Sanvito is interested in.

An old Ladies toilets on Rosebery Avenue in Clerkenwell. Photo credit: Agnese Sanvito