Penfold Pillar Box, 1872-79

Accession number: OB1994.30

This box is perhaps the most popular type of pillar box ever introduced. It was named after its designer, J W Penfold who was an architect.

First erected in 1866, this box was hexagonal in shape with the top decorated by acanthus leaves and balls. It was manufactured by Cochrane, Grove and Company in three different sizes. The Penfold pillar box continued to be manufactured for thirteen years but with fifteen modifications to the design.

This particular box is an example of the larger size of the second modification. This modification lowered the aperture after a complaint from the public that letters were getting stuck in the top. Surviving examples of this type are very rare.

Penfold pillar boxes can still be seen on the streets today. Because of its popularity, in 1990 a replica Penfold was introduced and erected in designated conservation areas, places of historic interest and tourist attractions.

The BPMA holds three other Penfold pillar boxes, two other originals, but red in colour, and one replica.