Today, I’m sharing a postcard that features one of the most important structures in world history: the Iron Bridge in Shropshire. This is not a sepia view of its early life, but a vibrant, colour postcard that showcases the bridge as a proud, preserved monument to the Industrial Revolution.
 |
| Ironbridge, Shropshire |
The Front: A Symbol of the Age of Iron
The image on this postcard, published by Dennis Productions, is a stunning, clear photocolour print that likely dates from the 1970s or 1980s.
The Structure: The bridge itself is magnificent, an arch of cast iron spanning the River Severn. Completed in 1779, it was the first major bridge in the world to be made of cast iron and gave its name to the gorge and the town, becoming the cradle of industrialisation.
The Setting: The photo captures the green, steep banks of the gorge and the colourful houses clinging to the hillside behind the massive iron arches. The reflection of the bridge and the surrounding greenery in the calm water of the River Severn is particularly striking.
The Preservation: By the time this photo was taken, the bridge was recognized not just as a piece of infrastructure, but as an irreplaceable historical monument, which it remains today as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Context: E. T. W. Dennis & Sons Ltd.
The reverse of the card reveals it was "Printed & Published by E T W Dennis & Sons Ltd, Scarborough."
A Postcard Titan: Dennis Productions was a prolific and highly successful British postcard publisher throughout the 20th century. Their cards were known for their quality, helping to establish the classic visual identity of thousands of UK resorts and landmarks.
Photocolour: The use of "Photocolour" on the back refers to the colour printing process used to create the vibrant image, a common technique for mass-market tourist cards from the mid-century onwards.
While the postcard is unused, its very existence tells a story: that this 18th-century industrial masterpiece had firmly transitioned into a 20th-century tourist icon, essential for any visitor traveling through Shropshire and the West Midlands. It serves as a great reminder that great industrial achievements, once central to commerce, become invaluable historical treasures.
