A FAMOUS Brecon landmark, which dates back to Victorian times, is being re-homed to help conserve it as a part of the Y Gaer collection.

The grade-II listed pillar box, which has stood in its current position outside the Shire Hall for 34 years, was removed on Monday for restoration work before it takes its place in the atrium of Y Gaer.

The museum’s senior curator Nigel Blackamore said: “Tim Martin and his team at Context Engineering carefully excavated the base of the pillar box before protecting it ready for lifting. It’s been a very complex operation.

“We’re delighted that this iconic landmark is being restored and renovated by the Talgarth firm. They specialise in the conservation of historic ironmongery and are accredited by the Institute of Conservation.”

The design of the rare pillar box, which is only one of 20 to survive in the whole of the UK, was made for just a few years between 1866 and 1879.

Nigel said that it a rare surviving example of a hexagonal cast iron Penfold style pillar box named after the designer J. W. Penfold.

Speaking about the post box, which has the manufacturer’s name – Cochrane & Co, of Dudley – etched into the plinth, Nigel said: “The design of the box is really quite elaborate. It has an ogee domed top decorated with acanthus leaves culminating in a oval bud. Acanthus leaves have been used as an architectural ornament for over 200 years. The Royal coat of arms is below the top rip, would have been painted gold with the inscription “post” and “office” either side of the letter slot. The monogram ‘VR’, which would also have been highlighted in gold, is in the middle of the door.”

The post box was originally located on the pavement in Castle Square opposite the Castle Hotel. While it was originally a dark green colour like it is today, it was repainted the familiar red colour of other post boxes in the 1870s.

In 1976 it was taken out of service and moved to the Promenade – Nigel said that there is a postcard in the museum’s collection showing it near the Honddu Bridge – but it was repeatedly flooded there so it was moved to the Brecknock Museum forecourt in 1983.

In 1993 the Royal Mail agreed to fund and carry out a restoration to coincide with the Brecon 900 celebrations. All the defects in the metalwork were repaired and refurbished and a Victorian lock with a brass face was added.

A Victorian tab holder and plate were even sourced and added so that the original time plate could be properly refitted.

Nigel said: “Now that it’s been moved off-site, the letter box will be dismantled and cleaned, and the lock un-seized. It will then be repainted, using special primers and undercoats before its green topcoat is applied by sprayer and brush.

“Outside the museum it’s been vulnerable to the elements and other damage, so it’s good to know we’ll be able to keep it in pristine condition in the atrium of Y Gaer. It will also be a prominent focal point in the new building.

“This restoration has been fully funded by the Brecknock Society and Museum Friends small donations appeal and is a wonderful example of the local community supporting the care of the Museum’s collections and the exciting development of Y Gaer for all our visitors.”