Online: Cymru Calling: Telephone Exchange Buildings in Wales
Cymru Calling: Telephone Exchange Buildings in Wales
Wednesday 12 November 2025 at 6.30pm
A richly illustrated talk about the architectural history and evolution of telephone exchange buildings in the United Kingdom, with a particular focus on Welsh case studies and their relationship to developments elsewhere in the country.
The talk will trace the architectural and technological developments from the opening of Europe’s first telephone exchange in 1879, through the creation of Britain’s first nationalised industry, war-time constraints, network expansion, automation, and privatisation, to present day and the fast approaching closure of the public switched telephone network, which will soon make the majority of the UK’s 5,600 telephone exchanges redundant.
Lisa Kinch is an architect, university tutor and historic places advisor. She has recently completed a PhD at Lancaster University in collaboration with BT Archives and Historic England, where she researched the architectural history of telephone exchange buildings and the relationships between the state, official architecture and technology.
C20 Society Member: £3;
Non-Member: £5;
Young C20 member: Free*;
*For Young C20 members, please email lukas@c20society.org.uk to secure a place.
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Note: The event will be recorded and offered as a catch-up lecture for those who have booked and will be available for two weeks.
We will send you a Zoom link by email after you book, which will enable you to ‘join’ the event. You should receive an automated link within an hour of booking so please check your spam/junk emails if you haven't received this. Any further problems please contact lukas@c20society.org.uk.
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The Twentieth Century Society is an IHBC (Institute of Historic Building conservation) recognised CPD provider.
The Twentieth Century Society is a registered charity, no 1110244
Above: Telephone Exchange sign at Milnsbridge TE. Image credit: Lisa Kinch