This leather Red Box is traditionally seen in Downing Street at the announcement of the Budget. It represents the Chancellor of the Exchequer and has been a familiar symbol of government finance since the 1860s.
The box itself is currently made by Barrow, Hepburn & Gale, a leather manufacturer with some roots in Carshalton.
One of the leading figures in the leather-making trade who gives his name to the company, lived at The Grove mansion in Carshalton in the early 20th century.
Sir Samuel Barrow was managing director of Samuel Barrow & Brother in 1914, and through a merger became joint managing director of Barrow, Hepburn & Gale in 1926.
Leather-making was once a major industry across the UK, particularly in London. Bermondsey – often known as “Leather Town” – was a centre of production. Sir Samuel Barrow’s company specialised in high-quality leathers for the boot and shoe trade, as well as for the coach and harness trade.
He was also chairman of the management committee of the Leather Sellers’ School. This school, established by the Worshipful Company of Leathersellers, was an educational institution in London (notably in Southwark and later Lewisham), providing schooling for children, particularly those connected to the leather trade and local communities. His involvement reflects the close ties between industry, education, and philanthropy at the time.
Sir Samuel Barrow was a community minded person, and his company supplied materials essential to everyday life. However his business began to decline with the widespread adoption of synthetic alternatives and motor vehicles. He died in 1935, and Barrow, Hepburn & Gale finally left Bermondsey in 1990 – one of the last leather companies to leave.
What is the significance of the Red Box?
The box is traditionally coloured red because this colour has long been associated with the Crown and official government business. Its purpose is both practical and symbolic: it is used to carry the Chancellor’s Budget speech and important financial documents securely from the Treasury to Parliament. The design has changed little over time, reinforcing its role as a visible link between modern government and historical tradition.
We aim to get facts and key dates correct, but reserve the right to update should new information come to light. Please add your comments below. Main image attribution: “The Chancellor of the Exchequer leaves Downing Street to deliver the Budget” by HM Treasury, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
