Ninety years ago, Sir Giles Gilbert Scott designed the famous K6 telephone box. Wanstead’s own recently refurbished kiosk still stands proudly outside the station. Local historian Davis Watson reports. Photo by Geoff Wilkinson
In 1876, Alexander Graham Bell patented the telephone and by the turn of the century, small telephone kiosks – soon to be known more commonly as ‘boxes’ – began to pop up around England. The government altered the course of telephonic communication with the Telephone Transfer Act of 1911 which saw the nationalisation of the National Telephone Company, which was taken over by the General Post Office (GPO).
The GPO soon began a quest to design a standard public telephone kiosk that would be used throughout the nation. Their first version appeared in 1921 and was duly named K1, a shortened version of the simple Kiosk One. However, an updated style was quickly sought and in 1924, the Post Office organised a competition for a new design.
The winner was Giles Gilbert Scott, a talented architect best remembered for the stunning Gothic-styled Anglican Liverpool Cathedral. He stemmed from the famous Scott dynasty of architects whose patriarch was George Gilbert Scott Senior (Giles’ grandfather). Local readers will likely be familiar with George’s Wanstead Infant Orphan Asylum (now Snaresbrook Crown Court) and Christ Church, Wanstead.
Giles modernised his design of the kiosk on several occasions before the renowned K6 – commissioned to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of King George V – finally arrived in 1935. It was this design that is the most famous and predominant of England’s kiosks and which remains a British icon to this day. The first K6 hit the streets a year later, and the one outside Wanstead Station (at the time, yet to be built) likely followed soon after.
It was common for the kiosks to be placed near existing post boxes and the one at Wanstead was no exception, being located alongside a post box bearing the cypher of Edward VIII; a rarity in itself as few boxes are in existence due to the short reign of the monarch (325 days).
British Telecom (BT) was placed in charge of English telecommunications in 1981 and almost immediately declared their wish to paint all existing red telephone kiosks in yellow. After much public outcry, the decision was reversed and the kiosks gradually gained their status as national treasures. Many were promptly granted listed status, including Wanstead’s very own K6, which was designated as Grade II on 31 July 1987.
During the following decade, BT repainted many of the crowns that adorn the top sections of the kiosks, changing them from their original red colour to gold, and Wanstead’s kiosk also received that treatment. Another K6 to be amended in that fashion stands at Woodford Green, opposite The Castle; the only other surviving K6 in Redbridge.
Wanstead’s telephone kiosk was restored around the start of this decade, with works including a new door and missing glass replaced. Sadly, it again fell into a state of disrepair, with vandalism including graffitied and scratched glass, along with a much-dirtied interior. It was reported to BT, who completed another round of repairs and restoration last month. “We’re aware of the vandalism problem at this location… We’d urge anyone who witnesses criminal activity to report it to the police. And while crime and antisocial behaviour are police matters, we remain committed to working closely with the authorities and local communities to help where we can,” said a BT spokesperson.
With this year marking the 90th anniversary of Scott’s famous design, perhaps a call for the ongoing preservation of Wanstead’s listed landmark will not be left unanswered?
For more information on the story of K6 telephone box, visit wnstd.com/k6
