Kettlewell still has one of the iconic old-fashioned red phone boxes (hooray!). So many of these have disappeared from our streets, replaced by modern glass designs. But I imagine there would be an outcry if BT were to try to change this one. The National Parks Authority has very strict rules about planning and what can be changed. Ironically, when the boxes were first introduced, a lot of rural areas were upset by the bright colour. Nowadays people fight to keep these old red boxes. The red box (K2) was originally designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott in 1924. He was a famous architect who designed many notable buildings including Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral. He was the grandson of Sir George Gilbert Scott who designed the Albert Memorial (see my post of June 3) and St. Pancras Station in London. The red box design was continued with minor alterations - this one is a K6, originally introduced in 1935.
I love the old red phone boxes! They are so much more interesting than the glass ones.
ReplyDeleteThey sprouted all over France a few years back. I even know someone who has one in their back garden. I used to think it was a red Tardis.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the historical insight.
A great symbol of England for the foreigners! I don't know who is the stupid one who decided to let them disappear,but it's a crime against your culture!
ReplyDeleteThey had questions about these on University Challenge last week.
ReplyDeletethere are a few in town that are protected and can't be moves, its nice seeing such an iconic item still around
ReplyDeleteThey are so iconic a bit like the London double deckers.Hope it stays forever. They are photogenic too.
ReplyDeleteThat's a lovely looking box - well looked after. And I bet it doesn't smell of wee like so many used to :-O
ReplyDeleteAround here any phone booth or public phone is a surprise anymore. They've gone the way of the Mom and Pop neighborhood market. Love this shot with the pretty flowers and cobblestone walk.
ReplyDeletePopped over from Chad's. Enjoyed my visit ... great photos!
ReplyDeleteCell phones have limited these and other public phones.Reminded me of Dr. Who episode.It is impossible to find them in the states.Like the history.
ReplyDeleteDoctor Who, I presume?
ReplyDeleteI hope it stays there for a long time to come!
ReplyDeleteI love these! And this one is in a nice setting.
ReplyDeleteDid you see Superman who just came out of your phone box?
ReplyDelete