Telephone Kiosk

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

A mid 20th century K6 telephone kiosk positioned against the south facing elevation of 166 Clones Road. The kiosk sits prominently on the road edge in painted red and set against a stone building which was formerly the local Post Office. The phone booth is of cast-iron construction with a curved roof and main door on its south elevation. A Tudor Crown insignia in bas-relief is aligned centrally beneath the roof arch on each of its four elevations with signage displaying ‘Telephone’ in black serif font directly below the insignia. Much of its glass panes still remain across its fenestration, however, some have been replaced with perspex window panes.

Roof: Cast-iron
RWG: None
Walling: Cast-iron, painted red
Windows: Single pane with glazing bars

Historical information

The K6 model was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott in 1935 to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of King George V. Constructed in cast-iron with a teak door, compact in size and easily mass-produced, the design was developed from Scott’s previous telephone kiosk models, the larger K2 (introduced in 1926) and K3 (1929). It was distributed throughout the UK from 1936 and represents the most successful and populous type of kiosk to be introduced with some 60,000 being placed around the country. About 8,000 of these were installed as part of the 'Jubilee Concession', which allowed towns and villages with a post office to apply for a kiosk. A year later under the 'Tercentenary Concession' celebrating the Post Office's 300th anniversary, a further 1,000 kiosks were installed over 12 years for local authorities willing to pay a five-year subscription of £4. After 1949 this was succeeded by the ‘Rural Allocation scheme’, under which kiosks were placed in out-of-town areas upon the recommendation of a rural authority.

A minor alteration in the K6 design occurred following the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, when the ‘Tudor’ crown motif was replaced with the St. Edward’s crown. From 1955 the Crown of Scotland was used for kiosks in that country, a slot in the fascia allowing either version to be inserted into all of those manufactured from this date. The model continued in production until 1968 when the more modernist K8, designed by Bruce Martin, was introduced, though some K6s do seem to have installed - or perhaps moved from elsewhere - after this date.

Kiosk at 166 Clones Rd - A ‘TCB’ or telephone call box is marked on this site on the OS map of 1961, next to what was at that time the local Post Office. The kiosk itself is of the ‘Tudor’ crown variety suggesting it was installed here sometime after 1936, but before 1953.

References – Primary sources
1 OS map sheet 262-9 – 1961

Secondary Sources
2 N. Johannessen, ‘Telephone Boxes’ Shire Publications (Princes Risborough, 1994)
3 The Telephone Box - http://www.the-telephone-box.co.uk/ (accessed 18 November 2024)
4 GPO - KIOSK No. 6 (K6) (www.britishtelephones.com) (accessed 18 November 2024)

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

A. Style
B. Proportion
C. Ornamentation
D. Plan Form
J. Setting

Criteria for listing: historic interest

R. Age
S. Authenticity
V. Authorship
Y. Social, Cultural or Economic Importance
Z. Rarity
X. Local Interest

Evaluation

Designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott in 1935, the kiosk is a pre-1953 K6 model as suggested by the Tudor Crown insignia. Remaining in its original setting at 166 Clones road abutting the former post office, the kiosk played an important role to the social and cultural development of the area having been the only means of communication to further locations. This iconic piece of street furniture was once common but has become increasingly rare due to modern mobile phone use. The kiosk has retained a high proportion of margined glass panes with key features such as the domed roof and Tudor crown insignia. Additionally, its internal fittings and door mechanics such as leather straps and closer arm remain intact and functioning effectively.

During its lifetime, the kiosk has adapted to keep pace with changes in society and technology, illustrating changing values and revealing the effects of change over time. These include upgrading of equipment and vandal-proofing measures, necessary adjustments/adaptions that do not compromise the building’s overall significance.

Since initial survey, the door has been removed and fallen out of order. However, the key features of the door like the glass panes, door handles and door mechanics still remain in the same condition as it was initially. The removal of the door is not irreversible as it simply needs reconnected via its existing joints.

General comments

Some replacement perspex windows, possible replacement door handle of original design and discolouration to 'TELEPHONE' signage. It was agreed these changes were appropriate and did not damage the buildings architectural and historical worth.