These were eventually produced in a large, landscape format that included detail on both postage and air fees on the right, and times of collection on the left. During the time that these boxes were in use for airmails, Post Office officials understood that such an experimental service would entail frequent alteration of displayed collection times – not least because flight times altered between summer and winter.īecause of the high cost of production of enamel collection plates, it had been decided at the time that simple card plates would be printed by the National Savings Bank. Research revealed that most current thinking revolving around two enamel collection plates being installed in a dual or double plate holder was incorrect. The Royal Mail archive also proved indispensible when researching the collection plate to be replicated and installed in the exhibited box. Additionally, paint flecks had been retrieved from the original layer applied to the pillar box and these were also analysed. The Technical Advisory Department of PPG Architectural Coatings worked with the BPMA on analysing the colour of a contemporary label. From these it was established that the blue colour was based on the airmail etiquettes (labels) attached to airmail correspondence at the time. Files relating to the commission and installation of the boxes in the 1930s survive within the Royal Mail archive maintained by BPMA. This was stripped of paint prior to application of primer.ĭetermining the original colour of the pillar box proved a challenge. This had been painted red for its working life. A contemporary and identical duplicate was located within the BPMA collection. The original mounting frame for the sign on the cap was also retained to preserve its provenance and act as a record of the colouration of the box for much of its recent time while on display. This commissioning was an attempt to preserve some continuity of provenance in the restoration. Garnier had been the original supplier of the small airmail signs to the Post Office in the 1930s. Founded in 1955, the company had purchased Burnham Signs (founded 1877) who, in turn, incorporated Garnier & Co. Stocksigns, based at Redhill were engaged for the work of replicating the airmail signs. Oval sign in original poor and damaged condition prior to return to the BPMA
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