by Alison Norris, Ironbridge Project Assistant
Exhibition building work has now started above the Post Office at Blists Hill, which signals the start of the most exciting part of the project as everything comes together.
It is anticipated that the BPMA curatorial staff will be able to start placing objects within their new display cases at the end of the month.
During a recent BPMA visit to the workshops of fit-out contractors the Hub, we saw a number of prototypes of elements of the exhibition. In particular we saw a large display case which will house a model of the GPO3 (Mobile Post Office), and also a wall panel which has to have various removable sections to allow for access to windows and the hanging of images and text panels.
Prototype of wall display panel
Prototype display case for GPO3 mobile post office model
The BPMA, the Hub, and the design team also made a site visit at the end of August before construction started to iron out any final decisions on elements such as lighting and health and safety. On the day we were pleased to see large queues of people waiting to get in to the site – which bodes well for lots of people seeing our exhibition when it opens!
Queues to get in to Blists Hill
Work has also begun between Blists Hill staff and the BPMA on events that the BPMA can be involved with in the future. The two largest events in the Blists Hill calendar are Queen Victoria’s 81st birthday celebrations in May, and weekend events in the lead up to Christmas.
Please see the July blog update for more information on how to get there.
Exhibition Interactive
Three Penfolds pillar boxes in the collection of the BPMA
As part of the exhibition, an interactive section has been developed based around Penfold pillar boxes. Through a series of turning paddles, the interactive will show the visitor that the basic design of the Penfold did not change over time, but the arrangement of the key elements did.
The photograph left shows three Penfold pillar boxes in the BPMA collection, each with four elements in their design that changed position. These are the royal coat of arms, the posting aperture, the collection plate, and the ‘VR’ symbol of Victoria Regina. The visitor will be able to choose where they think each of these elements is best placed on a Penfold by turning the paddles.
my mate recently purchased gpo3 wagon and trailer from auction its 1954 the truck runs well after approx five years of being stood trailer is in good condition still has all the interior intact and large generator (working) at the front any information on this wagon and trailer would be greatly appreciated as there is limited info online. i know that there were three made and gpo1 is in a museum so it must have a lot of history to it somewhere many thanks paul
There are a few sources of information that might be of interest. These pages on our website are about GPO2 and Mobile Post Offices. We also have a number of items in our collection which you can find by searching our online catalogue. You are welcome to visit the Royal Mail Archive to view these records however you will need to bring some ID that has both your signature and address on it. You do not need to make an appointment, but please check our opening hours on our website.
ive a post card of the green penfold pillar box are they worth anything
John, sorry but we’re unable to assist with valuations. You should consult with a reputable postcard dealer.