VR PENFOLD PILLAR BOX
The hexagonal Penfold is named after its designer John Wornham Penfold, and produced between 1866 and 1878. The LBSG has identified thirteen variants of Penfold boxes. The distinctive cap is decorated with acanthus leaves and is surmounted by a finial in the shape of an acanthus bud, and a coat-of-arms can be found adjacent to the aperture. In 1988 a replica version was introduced, and these can often be seen at heritage locations.Particulars
- Name: Penfold Pillar Box
- Manufacturer: Cochrane, Grove & Company
- Introduced: 1866
- Construction: cast iron
- Height: 67 inches
- Width: 8½ – 10½ inches
- LBSG type number: PB1006-PB1009, PB1906, PB1906Sc
- Total in LBSG records: 138 original boxes, 82 replicas
ABOUT US
The Letter Box Study Group is independent, self financing and politically unaligned. It was formed in 1976 and has become the recognised authority on the history and development of the British roadside letter box. It helps Royal Mail in its heritage obligations but there is no formal link.
The Group’s central and primary purpose is to create and maintain a definite and accurate database detailing the locations, history, and precise attributes of the nation’s 115,500 postboxes.
Members further the aims of the LBSG by conducting surveys of boxes in specific postal areas and by offering talks to groups and organisations. Collectors of miniature letter boxes are served by their own column in the Newsletter, as are collectors of letter box-related postcards.
The Letter Box Study Group is an apolitical organisation. We are keenly interested, however, in the fortunes and regulation of Royal Mail and in the policies designed to ensure that the Joint Policy Statement entered into by Royal Mail and Historic England (and its sister organisations) on the maintenance, preservation and care of the Royal Mail’s post box estate.
Please note: the LBSG does not deal in redundant letter boxes and will not advise on obtaining or disposing of redundant boxes.
WHO WE ARE
We are a diverse collection of individuals united by our shared interest in postboxes. Among the membership of around 500 are representatives from all walks of life: office workers, builders, electricians, scientists, designers, teachers, doctors, accountants, artists and engineers, as well as Royal Mail employees. All age groups are found in the membership, from teenagers to the retired. The female membership is just as active as the male and the Group has long benefited from a strong contingent of female Committee officers.
Membership is not limited to the British Isles. As well as the Republic of Ireland and a number of European countries such as France, Belgium and the Netherlands, we have members in far away places including the USA, Hong Kong and Australia.
The Letter Box Study Group is a Trust, has an adopted constitution and holds annual general meetings. Let the LBSG be your guide to this rich and fascinating part of our postal history. Then consider joining us, to help further the study and conservation of Britain postbox heritage.
AIMS
The Letter Box Study Group supports the preservation and enjoyment of British-designed roadside post boxes. Its chief activity is creating and maintaining a detailed directory of the nation’s 115,500 specimens.
The Letter Box Study Group is the only organisation to have a comprehensive system for defining and numbering British letter boxes.
The Group is recognised as the definitive authority on the British roadside post boxes, acknowledged by Royal Mail, Historic England (and the sister agencies in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland); the British Postal Museum & Archive; and post box manufacturers.
In pursuit of the core aim of updating the LBSG Directory, the Group publishes a quarterly Newsletter, the Register of Box Types and the Guide to British Letter Boxes.
Members of the Letter Box Study Group lead or assist in the creation and maintenance of this highly respected body of knowledge. As individuals or in small parties, LBSG members conduct surveys of boxes.
The Group raises awareness of post boxes by giving talks, helping with media enquiries and supporting public policy initiatives such as the Joint Policy Statement on post box protection and preservation.
BEGINNINGS
The Letter Box Study Group was started in 1976. It arose from a correspondence that had taken place in the philatelic press. Subsequently a few enthusiasts placed a notice in a philatelic magazine inviting others with an interest in the history and development of the British post box to join them in the formation of a Letter Box Study Group.
The founders thought they would have done well if they managed to attract as many as 15 members. They aimed to increase this to around 25, when it would be possible to issue a regular Newsletter.
Nearly four decades later more than 3000 individuals have held a membership for at least a year and around 500 people are currently accredited. In 1976 no listing of box types existed and there were no records of individual box locations. Now the LBSG Directory is heading towards a target of 120,000 records and is embarked on the publication of the comprehensive, full colour, Guide to British Letter Boxes.