Britishness in cast-iron
Sir Giles Gilbert Scott (9 November 1880 – 8 February 1960) was a British architect known for his work on the New Bodleian Library, Cambridge University Library, Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, Battersea Power Station, Liverpool Cathedral, and designing the iconic red telephone box.
Photo: Christoph Braun
The Red Telephone Box
One of the most iconic images in the United Kingdom is that of their trademark red telephone boxes. Scott’s most ubiquitous design was for the General Post Office. His design was in the classical style, topped with a dome reminiscent of the mausoleum Soane designed for himself in St Pancras Old Church yard, London. It was put into production in cast iron as the GPO’s “Kiosk no. 2” or “K2”.
Photo: KGGucwa
In 1932 the design was expanded to include a posting box and two stamp vending machines as “Kiosk no. 4” or “K4”. Later designs adapted the same general look for mass production: the Jubilee kiosk, introduced for King George V’s silver jubilee in 1935 and known as the “K6”, eventually became a fixture in almost every town and village.
The K6 kiosk is constructed of cast-iron sections, bolted together, standing on a concrete base. Its general form is a four-sided rectangular box with a domed roof. Three sides of the kiosk are glazed, with eight rows of three panes of glass; a wide central pane of glass and two outer, narrow panes.
About the Author:
Bruno Dursin – Managing Director at Believe in Steel. Bruno has more than 30 years of experience in promoting steel & steel solutions. His clients benefit from his extensive network within the building industry.
