Telephone Kiosk

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

A telephone kiosk of K6 type, manufactured in cast-iron, with small-paned sides. Door and glazing have been removed as a result of vandalism and the cast iron back panel is also badly damaged. It stands in the centre of Bessbrook Conservation Area opposite Charlemont Square.

Historical information

An example of the K6 or 'Jubilee' telephone kiosk, originally designed in 1935 by the English architect Giles Gilbert Scott to celebrate the silver Jubillee of King George V. It came into production in 1935-36 when the type was first introduced across the United Kingdom. Precise date of installation in Besbrook is not known, but it is likely to have been between 1953 and 1955, as the current example has a St Edward’s crown motif which only came into effect after Queen Elizabeth ll's coronation in 1953, but which can be distinguished from those produced after 1955 due to the fact that the motif itself was contained within a panel slotted into the fascia after this date. The roof design is based on Sir John Soane's mausoleum.

The kiosk was most recently damaged on 7th October 2010 by a firework explosion. The damage to the door, back panel and glazing has not been repaired.

There are 22 other listed BT kiosks of this K6 design in N Ireland.

References – Secondary Sources
1. P. White, 'Telephone Kiosks', English Heritage Conservation Bulletin, issue 2 (London, June 1987), p 12.
2. Gavin Stamp - Telephone Boxes (Chatto and Windus, 1989)
3. Neil Johannessen - Telephone Boxes (Shire, 1994, 1999 and 2010)

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

An example of a post 1953 model of the standard British Telecom telephone kiosk which has generally been superseded by more modern types. The kiosk at this location was listed in January 1989. The condition is now beyond repair with the door and all glazing removed. The cast iron back panel is also split and has a circular piece missing. This kiosk is not of listable quality.