Mobiles are here – but remember telephone boxes?

As smartphones take over the planet, the old ways are remembered in many nations of the world ... and they are still used. Here they are on show

Transformed replicas of the old British red telephone box were installed in London’s Trafalgar Square yesterday as part of the ongoing BT ArtBox campaign.

It was launched in honour of Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee.

Taking inspiration from the Giles Gilbert Scott-designed original K6 kiosk, BT has engaged over 80 British leading talents to restyle the iconic box, in their own creative ways.

The original telephone kiosk was introduced in 1936 to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of the ­coronation of King George V.

It eventually became a familiar sight in Malta and the Bermudas and Gibraltar.

Sir Scott had suggested a mild steel colour for the kiosks but the British Post Office chose the colour red to make them easy to spot.

The creative talents involved in Art Box project include Sir Peter Blake with Swarovski, model-turned-actress Lily Cole, architect Zaha Hadid, fashion designers Giles Deacon, Zandra Rhodes, Philip Treacy and Julien Macdonald, artists Rob and Nick Carter, Ryan Callanan, Martyn Ware, sculptor David Mach and interior designer Nina Campbell.

The artworks will be moved to landmark locations around England’s capital, including Covent Garden, St Pancras International, Carnaby Street, Heathrow, Broadgate, Speaker’s Corner on Park Lane, Bond Street and The Tower of London.

Eventually they will all be auctioned at Sotheby’s to raise money for the 25th anniversary of the children’s protection charity ChildLine, that helps neglected and abused children by offering a free phone connection for assistance anywhere in the United Kingdom.