Postcards may have lost popularity due to the instant gratification provided by our smartphones, which are constantly accessible in our pockets. However, this convenience cannot rival the unhurried pleasure and artistic value of sending and receiving a postcard.
I dedicate this week's list to postcards, with the aim of inspiring you to buy, send, collect, or even explore your own collection. You could even uncover some forgotten memories you have stored away .
5 Reasons why postcards still matter : -
Postcards are a source of happiness for me. I can't imagine anything better than receiving a card from a loved one in the mail (except perhaps an unexpected financial gain). The careful selection of a card and a personal message convey a special thoughtfulness, making me feel valued and appreciated.
One of my most cherished belongings is a postcard from Tenerife that was sent to me in 1987 by my friend who passed away shortly after sending it.
Accessible Art - Isn't it wonderful that everyone has the opportunity to own a unique piece of art for a price lower than that of a cup of coffee? Art galleries and museums frequently offer postcards featuring significant artworks for sale. The Royal Academy of Art, for instance, is currently selling postcards for as little as 25p.
Postcards support & raise valuable funds - They are a way to support Artists, Museums, Heritage Centres, and Charities. Postcards can offer unexpected means of support, such as through auctions.
Art on a Postcard (AOAP) has traditionally raised funds for The Hepatitis C Trust to aid in its mission to eradicate hepatitis C in the UK by 2030. The initial plan for Art on a Postcard was to hold a one-time secret postcard auction in 2014, but its success led to the establishment of a thriving enterprise.
The Summer Auction is now underway - https://artonapostcard.com/pages/summer-auction-2024
Collectable - Collecting postcards can be a wonderful hobby that is affordable to begin and doesn't require much space. Postcards can be easily acquired from charity shops, boot sales, eBay, and even specialised
I have come across signed postcards by the artists Gilbert & George being sold online for very high prices, but it is still possible to obtain them at very reasonable prices if you are starting a collection.
Memento - The most apparent reason to purchase a postcard is to have a tangible keepsake from a day out, holiday, or special occasion. Opting for a physical item rather than just an image on your phone is a compelling reason for acquiring a postcard for yourself.
Following my Father's death in 2008, my Mother started gathering postcards from her day trips and holidays, organizing them into albums. She takes pleasure in recounting these experiences if she has visitors and has found comfort in them during times of illness when she was unable to leave the house.
I have a stack of postcards stored in drawers at home, ready to be arranged into albums. I should take a cue from my Mum and sort them out to enjoy and share the memories.
Currently to send a postcard in the UK with a first class stamp is £1.35 or second class is 85p.
I hope for all of the above reasons you send a postcard to someone this Summer.
Further Reading & References
ROYAL COLLECTIONS TRUST -
Postcards were one of the biggest crazes of the early twentieth century. The first picture postcard appeared in 1894 and their low cost, huge range of designs and an efficient postal system offering up to four deliveries a day soon made them a national craze. By the outbreak of the First World War the Post Office was delivering a billion postcards a year. The pictures on the front of the cards were colourful and varied - landscape and architectural views, portraits of royalty and celebrities of the day, important events, humorous cartoons, propaganda – any subject matter that might potentially be of interest. As well as sending cards to friends and family, it was fashionable to collect postcards in albums and many people could boast collections of several thousand postcards.
Donald McGill, "KING OF THE SAUCY POSTCARD," created over 12,000 postcards from 1904 until his death in 1962. Millions of his cards have been sent around the globe. They depict life, making humor out of all sorts of everyday situations, which led to his prosecution in the 1950s as some of the cards were thought unsuitable for the public to see. The museum covers his story, Isle of Wight trivia, and an extensive collection of postcards from the most famous British comic postcard artist of all time.
Donald McGill Museum - Ryde - Isle of Wight
ight
HOW TO WRITE A POSTCARD
A handy guide to writing a postcard, making it interesting and fun.
The British Postal Museum has lots of information on postcards on their website.
Thank for visiting the blog - I really do appreciate you taking the time to read.
Until next week
Cheerio x
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