London, GB | Formerly of New York, Buenos Aires, Fife, and the Western Cape. | Saoránach d’Éirinn.
Sir Giles Gilbert Scott designed Telephone Kiosk No. 2 — the K2 — in 1923 in response to request from the Royal Fine Arts Commission.

This must surely be the most beautiful and easily recognisable example of street furniture in the history of the world.

Scott wanted them painted a silvery hue, with a greeney-blue interior.

Instead, the Post Office, which had taken over the public telephone network in 1912, decided to paint them in its regal red livery.

I think they made the right decision.

This one can be found in Trinity Church Square, Southwark.

Published at 12:54 pm on Wednesday 15 May 2024. Categories: Architecture Design Errant Thoughts.
Comments

Scott’s K2 is indeed beautiful and your photo makes that clear.

But Trinity Church Square, which I recognised immediately, having known and appreciated it since I first happened across it some forty years ago, is also beautiful. It is an under-appreciated rarity (more so now, even, than when I first admired it) and one of London’s finest (late) Georgian squares.

An illustrated article about it from your pen, Cusack, is long overdue.

— L G Clark 15 May 2024 9:19 pm

As ever, Mr Clark, you read my mind. Just such an article has been in my mind for years now!
It is probably my favourite square in London, and I am blessed to have an excuse to pass through it often.

— Andrew Cusack 15 May 2024 11:19 pm

It has of course sadly lost much of its potential as a film location due to the hideous towers now poking up over the roofs.

A couple of years ago a film was made set in the 19th century, and this telephone box was camouflaged within a strange rustic hut!

— A M J L Delarue 16 May 2024 5:19 pm
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