post box

Pole-mounted cast-iron post-box, erected c. 1930, with P&T emblem in relief. Manufacturer's name on base: 'Lion Fdry Co Ltd Kirkintilloch'.

The simple form of the P & T emblem set in relief adds artistic qualities to this mass produced, functional item. The P & T emblem replaced the royal insignia following Ireland's independence from Britain and is illustrative of the emerging confidence of the Free State government. It was manufactured at the Lion Foundary, which was based in Kirkintilloch in Scotland. It was established in 1880. The best known products to come out of the foundry were red telephone kiosks and post boxes. The foundry was also noted for its highly decorative architectural ironwork such as railings, fountains and bandstands. The Lion Foundry survived for over a hundred years and was the last of Kirkintilloch's foundries to keep working, but when British Telecom stopped ordering red telephone kiosks in 1984 it closed down.