Summary
A K6 telephone kiosk.
Reasons for Designation
The K6 telephone kiosk in Lower Ashton, Devon is listed at Grade II, for the following principal reasons:
* Architectural interest: it is an iconic example of industrial design, showing Sir Giles Gilbert Scott's adaptation of neoclassical forms for a modern technological function;
* Group value: it has a strong visual relationship with three listed buildings in the village.
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 neoclassical 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. Many still remain, however, 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 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 modern telecommunications equipment inside. The kiosk occupies a prominent position alongside the main road through the village, situated beside the Post Office (listed at Grade II) and next to a modern post box fixed to a timber post (unlisted). It is opposite Forge Cottage (Grade II) and is approximately 42m SW of Manor Cottage (Grade II). The telephone kiosk has a strong group value and visual relationship with these listed buildings, and in addition is within the Lower Ashton Conservation Area.
End of official list entry
