Communication tube
Category
Historic Services / Communications
Date
1910
Materials
Bakelite
Order this imageCollection
Ickworth, Suffolk
NT 850369.1
Caption
Like today’s intercom, speaking tubes allowed people on different floors to communicate with each other. These tubes were installed as part of a major phase of improvements to Ickworth in 1910, commissioned by the 4th Marquess. The basement at Ickworth, containing many more examples of technological improvements, will be open from spring 2012.
Summary
Communication tube, one of a pair. Each tube travels between the landing and the basement. Listening pieces attached to either end of the tube. On each landing whistles are attached to each listening piece by a chain. Black bakelite.
Provenance
Part of the Bristol Collection. Acquired by the National Trust in 1956 under the auspices of the National Land Fund, later the National Heritage Memorial Fund