Our history

The Fascinating History of the Letterbox: From the Foundry to the Yellow Box

1. The Origins of the Letterbox

Early letterboxes were designed to meet the growing need for correspondence and were essential for the sorting and distribution of mail. At the time, these boxes were made of sturdy but rather heavy metal, which led manufacturers to look for lighter and more practical alternatives. Aluminium, known for its lightness and resistance to corrosion, was adopted for the manufacture of modern letterboxes, offering an ideal combination of durability and ease of use.

2. The evolution of the foundry: from lead to aluminium

Before the Second World War, the Dejoie foundry worked mainly with lead to manufacture various metal objects. The constraints of the war, with a shortage of lead, and the need for more suitable materials led to a significant conversion. After the war, the foundry switched to aluminium, a lighter, corrosion-resistant material. This transition made it possible to modernise production while preserving the foundry’s traditional expertise. Since then, Dejoie has become a pioneer in the use of aluminium for letterboxes, combining innovation with excellence in craftsmanship

3. The Emblematic Box: From the ‘DEJOIE’ to Today

In 1950, the Dejoie company became the official foundry of the French administration, marking a turning point with the order for a new type of aluminium letterbox. This modern model, named ‘DEJOIE’, was distinguished by its innovative style and lightness, and became the emblematic letterbox of the French Post Office. Since then, the postal institution has introduced four successive letterbox models: in 1945, a dark blue box with yellow edging; in 1950, the yellow box with blue edging; in 1960, a version without edging to simplify maintenance while retaining the blue as a symbol; in 1980, with rounded corners for a more contemporary design; and finally in 2012, a version framed by a rounded grey band around the mail openings.

4. Reinvention by La Boîte Jaune: A Family Heritage and a Vision

In 2013, La Boîte Jaune was founded by Ulysse, great-grandson of the Dejoie foundry, and Sophie. Sophie, having always found letterboxes in France lacking in charm, came up with a project to reintroduce elegance to the field. Her inspiration came from her in-laws, who already had an emblematic Post Office letterbox in front of their house. She was deeply moved by the distinctive design of this box and decided that one day she would like to install a Dejoie foundry letterbox in her own home. This passion for design, combined with the family heritage, led to the creation of La Boîte Jaune, combining the Dejoie tradition of craftsmanship with a contemporary vision.

5. The Yellow Box: Letter Boxes for Individuals

Today, La Boîte Jaune offers an elegant range of letterboxes, combining retro design and modern quality. Manufactured in Nantes with the utmost care, our letterboxes are available in a variety of models, each reflecting the heritage and expertise of years gone by. Our products are made from 100% recyclable aluminium, 30% of which comes from recycled materials, and are designed to combine aesthetics and functionality.

6. The Impact of The Yellow Box: A Preserved Heritage for Individuals

The Yellow Box strives to preserve the heritage of letterboxes while adapting them to the modern needs of individuals. Each box is a reinvented piece of heritage, offering our customers a tangible connection to the past while meeting contemporary demands for quality and design.