The iconic red telephone boxes have long been a symbol of British culture, standing as a testament to the country’s rich heritage. However, as technology advances and modern communication methods emerge, these beloved icons of the past have slowly begun to disappear from the streets. But fear not, for there is a place where these decommissioned symbols of Britain are given a new lease on life – the “telephone box graveyards.”
The Telephone Box Graveyards
These remarkable photographs showcase two of the UK’s only “telephone box graveyards,” where the rusted, red telephone boxes are sent to be rejuvenated and restored to their former glory. Rows upon rows of these iconic structures, once the backbone of the nation’s communication system, now stand patiently, awaiting their second life.
A Labor of Love
Mike Shores, an 80-year-old from Carlton Miniott, Yorkshire, has dedicated much of his career to creating a place for these telephone boxes to be lovingly restored. Until his retirement just two years ago, his village garage would devote over 100 hours of meticulous care to each booth, stripping them down, repainting them in the iconic red hue, and replacing the glass to return them to their original splendor.
“People don’t realize how long it takes to restore them properly,” Shores explains. “Some people just repaint them, but we would do everything. It was a labor of love.”
A Collector’s Dream
These telephone boxes have become true collectors’ items, sought after by enthusiasts from around the world. Shores and his team never advertised their services, yet people would come from as far as America to purchase these pieces of British history, eager to give them a new home.
“They were fanatics, and some people might call them nuts,” Shores says. “But some people just like old things, and I like old things.”
Preserving a Piece of History
The largest active “telephone box graveyard” is owned by Unicorn Restorations, near Merstham, Surrey, where around 70 kiosks are currently laid to rest. These iconic structures have found new life in various art installations, serving as greenhouses, mobile phone charging ports, house defibrillators, mini libraries, and even a coffee shop in Brighton.
A Melancholy Tribute
Amateur photographer Guy Hatton, from Rochester, Kent, was captivated by the sight of these telephone box graveyards, describing them as a “journey back into the history of the country.” The rows of rusted, decommissioned boxes create a “strikingly sad image,” he says, but it is reassuring to know that they are being preserved and given a second life.
As the world continues to evolve, it is vital that we hold onto the remnants of our past. The telephone box graveyards serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of the British people, who refuse to let these iconic symbols of their heritage fade into obscurity. Through the dedicated efforts of individuals like Mike Shores and the countless enthusiasts who seek to breathe new life into these decommissioned boxes, the legacy of the British telephone box lives on, ensuring that this piece of history will continue to be celebrated and appreciated for generations to come.
