post box

Freestanding cast-iron pillar post box, erected c.1895, with VR monogram to shaft, raised lettering to neck and dentillated cornice to cap. Maker’s mark of A. Handyside & Co. Derby and London to base.

This post box is a fine example of the work of the Derby and London foundry of Andrew Handyside & Co. The Victoria Regina monogram, raised Post Box lettering and dentillated cornice enliven the otherwise functional design. The iconic cylindrical postbox replaced the earlier hexagonal model in 1879, and underwent only minor modifications over the following century. Cast-iron post boxes were a common feature in the city, with pillar boxes provided where large volumes of mail were anticipated