The former Queen was presented with one every day throughout her reign, Margaret Thatcher’s was auctioned for nearly a quarter million pounds, and another is housed in the possession of Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie. As Andy Burnham assumes his new role as Prime Minister, he will also receive the iconic red despatch box.
These trusted lockable red cases have been utilized by British monarchs, prime ministers, and officials for generations to transport highly classified documents and sensitive materials. Laden with historical significance, the boxes have contained critical information that has influenced war decisions, ensured peace, and shaped societal development.
Mohammed Suleman, the figure behind Barrow, Hepburn & Gale, the company responsible for crafting these boxes, emphasizes his lack of concern about their contents. Adhering to strict protocols and regulations, Suleman jests, “I worry more about what’s not being carried in them!”
Established in 1760, the company traces its origins to John Hepburn, a tanner from Yorkshire who relocated to London and established a tannery in Bermondsey. Evolving over time, the firm merged with other manufacturers, including one with the authority to produce despatch boxes for the British government.
Despite diversifying into various leather goods and supporting both World Wars with equipment, the company’s core focus has remained on crafting despatch boxes. These boxes, with their signature red stained leather and gold detailing, have retained their design since the era of Gladstone in 1853.
The manufacturing process remains traditional, with workshops spread across the country, ensuring the transfer of skills from one generation to the next. Suleman stresses the importance of supporting these skills and preserving them against the backdrop of short-termism prevalent in the country.
The production volume and individual box costs remain undisclosed, as demand fluctuates based on governmental activity. Each box is unique, especially those commissioned privately, such as the one owned by Angelina Jolie, resulting in varying price points tailored to individual preferences.