Noordenbos, owner of the café and shop Uit de Kunst at Oude Delft 140, explained how it came to be. “There’s a tunnel running from my building to the canal, it used to be used for coal deliveries. Below where the telephone box now stands is a hatch to the tunnel, and around 15 years ago the tunnel collapsed there.” A dispute followed as to whether the municipality or Noordenbos were responsible for the repairs. “In the end I decided that if it’s to be my responsibility, I’ll decide how to fix it, and I’ll stand something there. I thought a telephone box would fit nicely, so I went looking for one.” He acquired one from PTT, the old telephone authority. “It was apple green, from around 1970 I believe.” His solution was controversial at the time, but the small museum is now legal and official.
“I used to exhibit a new artist every month, but now it’s less regular since it takes a lot of organisation,” said Noordenbos. A ceramic leg sculpture in Delft blue style is currently on display, part of a series called ‘Hot Legs’ by Jackie Sarluïs. What can we expect to see next? “Perhaps some of my own art, or even my pet parrot!” he joked. The telephone box is on the street for passers-by to see at any time.
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