Pillarbox Red

My front door in London has just been re-painted.   I chose the colour from a computer screen, and didn’t see the actual paint until it was too late.  I had been hoping for something darker.

Should we call the final result “pillarbox red”?  Does it remind you of this?

London’s pillarboxes have been built in different shapes since they were first introduced in the 1850s.  The next photo shows a hexagonal one on St Pancras Way, London NW1.

The hexagonal boxes were designed by John Penfold (1828-1909). If you have ever watched the TV cartoon about Dangermouse and his secret headquarters in a postbox on Baker Street, now you know where his sidekick Penfold’s name came from.

More common is the 20th century cylindrical design, as seen here in Connaught Square, London W2.  The postboxes all bear the name of the King or Queen.  In this one you can see “ER II” for our present Queen Elizabeth; in the photo above it is “VR” for Queen Victoria.

But if I’m looking for the postbox which most closely resembles my front door, taking into account the shape, and the chrome fittings, it must be this one in Cavendish Square, London W1.

I’m getting used to the colour of my door now.  It is definitely cheerful and welcoming.  I’ll let you know if anyone tries posting their letters here.