The red telephone box has become an icon symbol of Great Britain. Despite the decline in demand for public pay phones, many of the boxes can still be seen around the United Kingdom.


The iconic London red telephone box, a quintessential symbol of British cultural heritage, is a familiar sight on the city's streets. Designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, these distinctive phone boxes, officially known as Kiosk or K2, have become an enduring symbol of London's urban landscape. Introduced in 1926, the design of the K2 telephone kiosk was the result of a competition held by the Royal Fine Art Commission. Sir Giles Gilbert Scott's winning design was a sturdy, practical, and visually appealing structure that quickly became a landmark across the UK. Constructed from cast iron with a domed roof, these telephone boxes are painted in 'currant red,' chosen for its visibility. Their design includes a crown emblem, symbolising the British government, which operates the phone service. Over time, these phone booths have seen a gradual decline in use due to advancements in mobile technology, but many remain in place due to their architectural and historic significance. The London red telephone box has not only served as a functional utility but also as a cultural icon, frequently featured in films, photography, and popular media. It has become a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of London, encapsulating the city's history and heritage in its design. Despite the evolution of communication technology, these iconic red phone boxes retain their charm, embodying a nostalgic snapshot of British urban design.


Size: 6706px × 4476px
Location: London, United Kingdom
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: .., architecture, booth, box, britain, british, central, centre, cities, city, communication, design, english, europe, gilbert, giles, great, historic, history, icon, iconic, isles, k2, kingdom, kiosk, landline, landscape, life, lnd, london, objects, phone, phones, photo, public, red, scene, scott, scotts, sightseeing, sir, street, symbol, symbolic, telecommunication, telecommunications, telephone, telephony, traditional, travel, uk, united, urban