THE BRM GUIDE TO STREET FURNITURE
Post boxes
The first post boxes appeared on our streets in 1853, and, in those days, they were painted green. Complaints that this made them difficult to find, saw boxes turn the red we are familiar with today, except for those for airmail (Blue) and ones celebrating winners in the 2012 Olympics (Gold). During the war, many boxes sported a yellow cap, which would have changed colour in the event of a gas attack to warn the population.
The basic design was set early, and probably the first standard was designed by J W Penfold with an octagonal pillar box with horizontal flap. A tiny number of these survive today, but for most of us, a pillar box is the round, cast iron, ‘Type B’ box that appeared in 1887, complete with wide cap to keep the rain out. An oval two-slot version was produced for town centres, which could expect more business.
Only the true post box enthusiast will worry about the difference between the myriad of designs tried over the years, but by 1980, we saw the ‘Type K’ appear – a perfectly cylindrical box that looked much more modern and could be easily rolled around the foundry floor when it was being cast as well as being easier to install.
Rural areas that don’t justify a full post box are supplied with a ‘Wall Box’
