Today, I’m sharing a favourite piece from my collection that perfectly encapsulates the romanticized image of Wales in the mid-20th century: a brightly illustrated postcard titled "Welsh Tea Party" (or Te Cymreig). It’s a colourful, charming scene that contrasts beautifully with the very practical message written on the back.
 |
| Te Cymreig - Welsh Tea Party |
The Front: Tradition and Tranquillity
The illustration is rich in traditional Welsh iconography, clearly designed to appeal to tourists and promote a nostalgic view of the country:
The Dress: Three women are depicted wearing the famous traditional Welsh costume—the tall black hat, the full skirt, the checked apron, and a striking red shawl or cloak. This outfit, established in the 19th century, was a powerful symbol of Welsh national identity, particularly for tourism.
The Setting: They are enjoying tea near a stone cottage beside a tranquil body of water, likely a lake or a calm coastal bay. The setting suggests peace and rural tradition.
Local Crafts: Notice the spinning wheel prominent in the foreground. This highlights the region's heritage of wool production and traditional crafts.
The Message: Llandudno in 1951
The reverse side, published by Valentine & Sons Ltd., Dundee and London, carries a postmark dated 9 APR 1951 from Llandudno, Caernarvonshire. This anchors the card firmly in the post-war era of British domestic holidays.
The message, addressed to The Misses Bowden in Surbiton, Surrey, is written from a holidaymaker who seems to be experiencing a rather mixed bag of weather:
"Can you remember... I went there this morning. I came up to the Carnarvon this afternoon. The sea is just below my bedroom window and very rough. My love to Mummy, Daddy and Marjorie."
The Contrast of Reality
The message creates a wonderful contrast with the idyllic image:
The View: The writer is staying somewhere with a prime view—"The sea is just below my bedroom window"—suggesting a classic seaside guesthouse in Llandudno.
The Weather: The sea is described as "very rough," suggesting a brisk, possibly cold, spring holiday—a dose of reality against the sunny, timeless scene on the front.
The Excursion: The mention of going up to "The Carnarvon" (likely Great Orme in Llandudno) is a classic tourist itinerary item, showing the holiday was focused on local landmarks.
This card is a charming window into a 1951 Easter holiday: an illustrated fantasy of Welsh tradition sent from a very real, slightly wind-blown day trip to the coast of North Wales.
