Telephone exchange at Kensington
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Telephone exchange at Kensington
Drawing by Percy Spence of telephone girls answering calls at the new national telephone exchange at Kensington, London in 1902
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Media ID 4353650
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10215509
11th Answering Calls Exchange Kensington Percy Spence Telephone 1902 January
EDITORS COMMENTS
This drawing by Percy Spence, titled "Telephone Exchange at Kensington," offers a glimpse into the historical milestone of the new national telephone exchange that opened in Kensington, London in January 1902. The scene depicts a bustling hub of activity, as telephone girls diligently answer calls from the public. With a focus on the human element of this technological innovation, Spence captures the determination and concentration on the faces of the young women as they connect people from all walks of life. The exchange, which was a significant improvement from the earlier manual switchboards, was a testament to the rapid advancements in communication technology at the turn of the 20th century. The new exchange, located in the heart of London, was able to handle an impressive 7,000 calls per day, a remarkable feat for the time. The drawing, which is part of the Illustrated London News (ILN) archive, provides a fascinating insight into the daily operations of the telephone exchange during its early days. The telephone girls, dressed in their smart uniforms, are shown working in unison to ensure that every call is answered promptly and efficiently. The intricate details in the drawing, from the telephone equipment to the girls' expressions, offer a window into a bygone era. The historical significance of this drawing lies in its ability to capture the spirit of innovation and progress that characterized the early 20th century. With the advent of the telephone, people were able to connect with each other from great distances, bridging geographical barriers and bringing the world a little closer. This drawing serves as a reminder of the important role that communication technology plays in shaping our lives and connecting us to the people and places that matter most.
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