Barnton Bunker Receives a Generous Donation of Original Phones
Barnton Bunker recently received a significant donation of original phones from the 1950’s onwards, from Stephen Hajducki, a local film, history and gadget enthusiast. This donation marks an important moment in preserving the bunker’s history and enhancing its collection of artefacts.
Stephen’s journey with Barnton Bunker began in the 1980s when the bunker, once a well-kept secret, was up for sale by the council. Intrigued by both the historical significance and the technical aspects of the site, Stephen decided to visit. He ended up purchasing a collection of original phones, intending to use them for a personal project. However, time constraints prevented him from fully pursuing this venture.
100 original telephones Recently donated to Barnton Bunker
Models include: BT GPO 746F Rotary Dial Telephone, BT GPO 706 Rotary Dial Telephone, 706 Basic Phone (no dial), Black Wall-Mounted GPO Phone with Dials, 710 and 711 models.
40 Years later, the story took an interesting turn when Stephen met Rob, a long-term volunteer at the bunker. Their shared passion for film and videography brought them together through their involvement with the Edinburgh Cine and Video Society. During one of their conversations, Rob mentioned his work at Barnton Bunker, reigniting Stephen’s interest in the site. This meeting proved to be monumental for the bunker’s historical preservation efforts.
BT GPO 706 Rotary Dial Telephone
Launched in the 1950s, the 706 featured a rotary dial and came in various colours. Renowned for its robustness and reliability, it was a standard model in secure facilities before the 746's introduction.
Understanding the value these original phones would bring to Barnton Bunker, Stephen decided to donate his collection. He felt it was a way to “Put something back into the history where it started.” His generosity has not only enriched the bunker’s collection but also contributed to the preservation of its unique historical narrative.
Rob, who joined the bunker volunteer team just over a year ago, has a shared vision for the site that goes beyond preservation. Their goal is to restore the bunker in a balanced way that pays homage to its history through a museum, while also creating a space that can serve the arts. The Barton Bunker team envisions the space as a cultural hub for film, music, arts and events, blending historical preservation whilst being a key space for the present.
706 Basic Phone (No Dial)
A simpler version of the 706 model, this phone lacked a rotary dial and was typically used in settings where direct dialling out was controlled or restricted, making it ideal for bunker communications.
The bunker’s dual mission to honour its past while fostering a vibrant future is exemplified by this generous act. By integrating historical artifacts with modern cultural initiatives, Barnton Bunker aims to become a place where history and current culture coexist, enriching the community and inspiring those who visit.
Stephen’s donation is a testament to the importance of preserving history and the impact that individual contributions can have. His original phones are now a part of Barnton Bunker’s legacy, ensuring that the site continues to educate and inspire for years to come.
