Hi Dave, I believe that you are correct about the Station Master's office in the l950's at New Street Station. I remember seeing him come up those stairs dressed to the nines as it were on the day that the Queen Mother visited Birmingham. It would be nice to know what other celebrities he dressed up for. There were many high profile people that arrived in Brum by train back then. American film stars, for one, famous actors and actresses arriving for Repetory theatre plays, etc.
Mr. Smith's secretary interviewed me for my job at New Street. She had her own office adjoining the main secretarial pool. She was formidable but not standoffish. Let's face it, New Street Station back then was a fascinating and grubby place. I can understand why the Station Master had his own office away from the other offices. On hand problem solver needed to be close to the action. There were not many separate offices in the station complex. There was one large office with several departments operating from it. No cubicles or even desks...long polished wooden tables with each department having it's own area. Parcels, Excursions, etc. The Office Manager, Mr. Warrington, had his own office and I can still picture to this day.