A book on the history of London’s street bollards
We have been part of the barrier industry for a long time, working to help clients in the UK improve safety. Our experience has taught us that we need to have multiple options available to suit every customer. Since everyone has their own needs, there is not going to be a universal solution. This is how it is with bollards and various other safety installations. It is the reason we have such a broad range.
Any time you are walking around the City of London, you can always tell you are there. This is due to the striking white, black, and red street bollards. A new book, Bollardology, has been written that details the history of what is often an overlooked installation. It was written during the covid lockdown by Dr Cathy Ross.
The thing that marks the City's bollards is their ubiquity and bold decoration. Travel around London and you would have a hard time figuring out where you are and which council is in charge. If you go to the City though, the bollards will tell you this info straight away. The City's crest is visible and a forest of white, red, and black dominates the streets.
The bold design may be a hallmark of the area, but it also has an important secondary function. It means each bollard is much more noticeable if you compare to bland concrete poles and grey street fencing. This is beneficial for increasing safety and also improves the aesthetics of the whole area.
Bollards and street lamps
If you journey around the City, you will discover that there aren't many street lamps mounted on its pavements. Most are on the sides of buildings. The City has property owners host the lighting on their behalf. It was a street decluttering method for pedestrians and made more space for the bollards.
Similar to how bollards have hidden depths under pavements, Dr Ross dives into the City's history in her book. She looks at how it got its strong visual identity from the street furniture. However, like how other entities we believe have been there forever, the truth is that the City's bold branding is a somewhat recent phenomenon. It is also a visual reminder of how planning controls can augment urban aesthetics.
Dr Ross moves through the rise and fall and rise again of bollards. As a book, it is very niche but incredibly interesting. It focuses on installations that are all around us but we pay little attention to it. Yet, they still have an exceptional history. After reading it, you will be able to better appreciate the work that goes into moulding our urban landscape.
Talk to us if you need to invest in bollards
At Barrier Mart, we are able to supply surface mounted and cast in bollard variants. Both come in numerous sizes too so they can meet differing requirements. When you choose a product you may want to think about the ones Dr Ross looks at in the City of London and see if you want to make yours as decorative and noticeable.
Please give us a call if you would like any information from us about bollards. We are happy to assist you, whether you need them for a city, a private commercial site, or your own land.