GviR

This pillar box was made in Falkirk by McDowall, Steven & Co Ltd. The company was started in Glasgow in the early 20th century but can trace its origins back to the Phoenix Foundry in 1804. As well as pillar boxes they made many iron bandstands and examples are still standing in Aberdeen, Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury. They constructed the ironwork on the facade of Glasgow Central Station over Argyle Street. They also cast lamp standards and drinking fountains. In 1912 they took over the Laurieston Ironworks in Falkirk which is where this box would have been made. By 1914 they employed 800 people and in 1929 they became part of Allied Ironfounders but continued trading as McDowell Steven and Co. In 1934 they took over another ironworks in Falkirk which they traded until 1958 when it was closed along with the Laurieston works. McDowall, Steven & Co Ltd was formally dissolved in 1964.