Signs

The sign collection can show developments in the brand identity of one of the most famous organisations in Britain.

Our signs have come from a number of different sources: primarily from Post Office counters and buildings, the Travelling Post Office, and the Post Office Railway (Mail Rail).

The counter signs give instructions and services available within The Post Office. Examples of the well-known red, yellow and green oval Post Office signs often illustrate the town or area from which they came. A representative sample of signs has also been collected from sorting offices including warning signs for machinery and other parts of the working environment.

The signs from the Travelling Post Office and the Post Office Railway are typically warning, route, direction and entrance signs. The collection also hold examples of The Post Office Direction (POD) sign, found on the top of pillar boxes with an arrow pointing in the direction of the nearest Post Office.

The collection reflects full history of the Post Office with General Post Office telephone and telegraph signs, and from different sections of the business, such as Datapost, National Savings Bank and Parcelforce.