'Out of Order' – London, England - Atlas Obscura
THE GASTRO OBSCURA BOOK An eye-opening journey through the history, culture, and places of the culinary world. Just released! The Gastro Obscura book is here! Order Now
What's near me?

'Out of Order'

London, England

A domino effect created with Britain’s iconic telephone boxes. 

View all photos
The "Out of Order" public art installation by David Mach. Loco Steve (Creative Commons)
The "Out of Order" public art installation by David Mach. Loco Steve (Creative Commons)
During the 2019 "spring clean." Jim Linwood (Creative Commons)
'Out of Order' Loco Steve (Creative Commons)
'Out of Order' Jim Linwood (Creative Commons)
63
221
Top Places in London
A Nicobar Tree Shrew in the Grant Museum of Zoology
Grant Museum of Zoology
London, England
The Imperial War Museum London
London, England
Ilford Animal Cemetery
London, England
 See All

A stroll through the historic town of Kingston upon Thames, now part of London, may lead curious visitors to a dozen phone boxes leaning against one another like a set of dominoes. 

This art installation is known as “Out of Order” by David Mach and was installed in 1989. While it’s not quite as iconic as its inspiration, the red telephone box designed by Giles Gilbert Scott, this public art installation has since become one of Kingston’s most iconic landmarks, amusing locals and tourists alike.

Over the years, these disused phone boxes were reportedly infested with rats and trash until they were restored. To celebrate its 30th anniversary, “Out of Order” was repainted, refurbished, and restored to its erstwhile glory, rarely failing to amuse onlookers.

Know Before You Go

The installation can be found at the western end of Old London Road, near the Kingston Museum. The upright phone box is “out of order” as well, so don’t expect to be able to call.

design outsider art art
Nearby
The Coronation Stone
0.31 miles
Magic Tap
0.94 miles
Hampton Court Maze
1.64 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
London, England

The Coronation Stone

Legend has it that seven Anglo-Saxon kings were coronated on this stone, located in the appropriately-named town of Kingston.
East Molesey, England

Magic Tap

Floating pink tap installed for a flower show in London.
East Molesey, England

Hampton Court Maze

England's oldest surviving hedge maze has been confusing visitors for over 300 years.
East Molesey, England

Chocolate Kitchen at Hampton Court Palace

In 2013, historians discovered a hidden room devoted to the art of making royals' hot chocolate.
Related Places
Northumberland, England

The Giant Spoon

A giant piece of cutlery designed to remind us about the origins of our food.
Antwerpen, Belgium

Ruckersplaats Hands Monument

Hidden along this old street in Antwerp is a surreal monument of a bronze arm sprouting four hands.
Broomfield, Colorado

Hypnotic Turtle DreamBox

This drive-by, rotating mini-gallery is nestled in the suburbs of Colorado.
Sutjeska, Serbia

'Tamiški Kralj' ('King of Tamis')

A large concrete replica of a 12th-century figurine.
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
From Around the Web