Survey Data
Reg No
50130246
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Artistic, Historical, Social, Technical
Original Use
Post box
In Use As
Post box
Date
1900 - 1910
Coordinates
319247, 238210
Date Recorded
25/07/2018
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Freestanding round-plan cast-iron pillar postbox, installed c. 1905, having shallow domed cap, moulded corona, neck moulding, cylindrical shaft and moulded plinth base. Curved hinged door facing south incorporating letter slot with raised frame below and raised insignia of Edward VII above raised lettering 'Post Office'. Raised lettering to left of letter slot reads 'Next collection'; maker's details 'McDowall, Steven & Co. London and Glasgow' to base.
Appraisal
This high-quality piece of street furniture is illustrative of the mass-produced cast-ironwork created by the foundry of McDowall Steven & Co. Ltd. The royal insignia of Edward VII date the postbox to the early part of twentieth century, adding an artistic flourish to this utilitarian feature and representing a reminder of the Ireland's colonial past. This postbox constitutes a working, functional component of Dublin's postal heritage, its survival adding to the overall architectural character of the streetscape.