Porthleven red telephone box one of Cornwall's smallest museums

Porthleven Harbour & Dock Company has worked in collaboration with Porthleven Museum to give new life to the former telephone box on Harbour Head.

It is hoped the new attraction will benefit both visitors and local residents.

It will be officially opened by mayor Mike Toy this Friday (April 17) at 11am, when it will then become available for viewing.

There was concern in July 2022 when the telphone box was lifted from its foundations and taken away on a forklift, but this was followed by assurances that the box was being restored for a new community use.

You can read more about that here: Removal of iconic red telephone box takes term 'mobile phone' to new heights

It later returned after being given a repaint and spruce up, ahead of its new chapter going forwards.

The telephone box was taken away on a fork lift in 2022, for refurbishment (Image: Supplied)

The newly established museum offers a glimpse into Porthleven’s heritage through carefully curated displays of historical information.

Visitors can explore the town’s rich story while engaging with interactive elements, including QR codes that unlock additional information, recorded stories and access to archived material.

Jo Sharp of the Porthleven Harbour & Dock Company said: “This project is not just about preserving history; it’s about making it accessible and engaging for everyone.

“We are thrilled to contribute to the community in such an innovative way and to encourage people to discover more about Porthleven’s fascinating past.”

Porthleven Museum has played a key role in curating the displays, with Emma Short saying: "Porthleven Museum are delighted to have taken part in curating a first physical home for the unique stories and histories of our town’s past.

"We look forward to working with the Harbour and Dock Company in the months to come as displays change and new topics are introduced. We hope everyone, locals and visitors alike, can take pleasure in this new amenity.”

The new museum will be open from Friday at the Harbour Head (Image: Porthleven Harbour & Dock Company)

The museum will feature changing exhibits throughout the year, ensuring each visit offers something new to explore. From local lore to significant historical events, the museum promises a captivating experience within a compact space.

The initiative has been sponsored by the Porthleven Harbour & Dock Company, wth thanks given to Emma Short and John Strike of Porthleven Museum, and Tanya Nobel and Nigel Pepperall of the Porthleven Harbour & Dock Company, for their work on curating the displays and converting the telephone box.

History of the red telephone box

Designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott in 1924, the red telephone box was introduced as part of the British Telephone System’s move to modernise public communication. Its design blended classical architectural elements and became a timeless piece of British design.

Recognisable worldwide, the red telephone box symbolised both communication and public service. Before mobile phones, telephone boxes were essential, particularly in rural areas where home telephones were less common.

Although their use declined with mobile technology, many red telephone boxes have been repurposed as mini-libraries, art installations and, as in Porthleven, a small museum.

Many have since been granted listed status, protecting them from demolition and recognising their cultural significance.