K6 Telephone Kiosk 14m east of No. 73 Irsha Street

Summary

K6 telephone kiosk, designed in 1935 by Giles Gilbert Scott.

Reasons for Designation

The K6 telephone kiosk 14m east of No 73 Irsha Street, Appledore is listed at Grade II for the following principal reason:

* Architectural interest: it is an iconic example of industrial design, showing Giles Gilbert Scott's adaptation of Neoclassical forms for a modern technological function;

* Group value: it has a strong visual relationship with two listed buildings, Nos. 72a (listed Grade II) and 73 Irsha Street (listed Grade II).

History

The K6 telephone kiosk is a milestone of C20 industrial design. The K6 was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott in 1935 for the General Post Office, on the occasion of King George V's Silver Jubilee. The K6 was a development from his earlier highly successful K2 telephone kiosk design of 1924, of Neo-classical inspiration. The K6 was more streamlined aesthetically, more compact and more cost-effective to mass produce. Sir Giles Gilbert Scott (1880-1960) was one of the most important of modern British architects; his many celebrated commissions include the Anglican cathedral of Liverpool and Battersea power station. The K2 and K6 telephone kiosks can be said to represent a very thoughtful adaptation of architectural tradition to contemporary technological requirements. Well over 70,000 K6s were eventually produced. In the 1960s many were replaced with a new kiosk type. But many still remain, and continue to be an iconic feature on Britain's streetscapes.

Details

The K6 is a standardised design made of cast iron, painted red overall with long horizontal glazing in the door and sides and with the crowns situated on the top panels being applied not perforated. There are rectangular white display signs, reading TELEPHONE beneath the shallow-curved roof. It has modernised internal equipment.

This telephone kiosk display signs above the doors are still relatively clear, the paint appears to be in good condition and it retains the glass window panels. It stands on a point on Irsha Street where the alignment of the road changes sharply and the buildings face onto the estuary of the River Torridge. It stands 14m to the east of No. 73 (listed Grade II), and 22m from No 72a Irsha Street (listed Grade II).The kiosk has a strong visual relationship with both of these listed buildings.

Pursuant to s. 1 (5A) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 it is declared that the modern telecommunications equipment within the K6 is not of special architectural or historic interest.

Sources

Books and journals
Torridge District Council, , Appledore Conservation Area Appraisal: Supplementary Planning Guidance, (2003)

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