A Glimpse of La Serenissima: A 1971 Time Capsule from Venice

 There is a specific kind of magic found in the tactile nature of vintage postcards. They are more than just cardstock and ink; they are physical echoes of a moment in time, carrying the salt air of the Mediterranean and the hurried scribbles of a traveller’s hand. Today, I’m sharing a particularly beautiful piece from my personal collection: a vibrant multi-view postcard of Venice (Venezia), mailed in the summer of 1971.

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Venezia

The Visual Journey: St. Mark’s and the Rialto

The front of the postcard is a classic "triple view" composition, a popular format for tourists who wanted to show off as much of the city as possible in one go.

• The Grandeur of San Marco: The largest image on the left captures the iconic façade of St. Mark’s Basilica. What strikes me most about this specific photo is the fashion of the crowd. You can see men in sharp trousers and short-sleeved button-downs, and women in modest summer dresses—a perfect snapshot of early 70s European tourism. The presence of the Venetian flag (with the Lion of St. Mark) and the Italian tricolor adds a sense of patriotic pride to the scene.

• The Rialto Bridge: The top-right inset shows the Ponte di Rialto spanning the Grand Canal. It appears to be captured during a regatta or a particularly busy festival day, as the water is crowded with traditional boats.

• Acqua Alta: Perhaps the most "Venetian" image of all is the bottom-right inset, showing the Basilica reflected in a flooded Piazza San Marco. Even in 1971, the "high water" was a defining, poetic characteristic of the city’s identity.

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The Story on the Back: "Buon Giorno, Buon Tutto"

While the photography is beautiful, the true soul of a postcard lives on its reverse side. This card was sent to Miss E. Simpson and Miss J. Cowans at the Management Services Centre of the Cranfield Institute of Technology in Bedford, England.

The Message

The message is brief but incredibly charming. It reads:

"Buon Giorno, Buon Tutto. Handley"

Written in a bold, confident blue ink, the Italian phrase "Buon Giorno, Buon Tutto" translates roughly to "Good morning, good everything." It is a warm, all-encompassing wish that suggests the sender was in high spirits, likely swept up in the romance and sunshine of the Venetian lagoon.

The Postal History

For the philatelists and history buffs, the technical details of the card offer a wealth of information:

• The Stamp: It features a 20 Lire "Siracusana" stamp (depicting the Turreted Italy), a staple of Italian postage during that era.

• The Postmark: The circular date stamp clearly marks it as August 1971.

• The Publisher: The card was printed by Tecnograf spa in Palermo, Sicily. It’s a reminder of the bustling printing industry that once thrived across Italy to serve the booming post-war tourism industry.

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Why We Collect: More Than Just Souvenirs

People often ask why I spend time hunting for these slips of paper. To me, this postcard is a micro-history. It connects a prestigious British academic institution (Cranfield) with the cobblestones of Venice. It captures a moment before the age of instant messaging, when "Good Morning" took several days to travel across the continent by post.

When you hold a card like this, you are holding the same piece of paper that "Handley" held while sitting at a café, perhaps sipping an espresso or a Spritz, watching the pigeons in the square. It’s a tangible link to a summer over fifty years ago.

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The Evolution of the Venetian View

Comparing this 1971 image to Venice today is a bittersweet exercise. While the architecture of the Basilica di San Marco remains eternal, the atmosphere has shifted. In 1971, Venice was already a major tourist destination, but it lacked the massive cruise-ship scale of modern "over-tourism." The colours in these vintage prints—slightly oversaturated, with deep blues and warm yellows—give the city a nostalgic glow that modern digital photography often lacks.

Collecting these postcards allows us to preserve the "visual brand" of cities as they were. This card, with its "VENEZIA" typography in bold red, represents the peak of mid-century travel aesthetics.

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Final Thoughts

This 1971 postcard is a prized piece of my collection because it does exactly what a postcard should: it transports us. It takes us from a modern screen to a sun-drenched Italian piazza. It reminds us to wish our friends "Buon Tutto"—good everything.

A View from the Heights: Princes Street in the 1930s

 The front of the postcard features a stunning elevated perspective, captioned "Princes Street from Scott Monument, Edinburgh." Taking this photograph would have required the photographer to ascend the 287 steps of the Gothic spire dedicated to Sir Walter Scott.

Princess Street from the Scott Monument, Edinburgh

Architectural Landmarks

The composition is a masterclass in urban landscape photography:

• The Royal Scottish Academy: In the foreground, the unmistakable Doric columns of the Academy stand prominently. To its left, we see the lush greenery of the Princes Street Gardens, which separate the New Town from the Old Town.

• The Skyline: In the distance, the spires of St Mary’s Cathedral pierce the horizon, while the dome of the Usher Hall or perhaps the West End buildings can be spotted against the backdrop of the Corstorphine Hill.

• The Street Life: If you look closely at the street level, you can see the hustle and bustle of 1934. Trams—a staple of Edinburgh life until 1956 (and famously returned in the 21st century)—line the tracks. Vintage automobiles and pedestrians in cloche hats and overcoats populate the sidewalks, many gathered under the distinctive striped awnings of the grand department stores like Jenners and Forsyth’s.

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The Human Touch: Postmarks and Personal Notes

While the image provides the historical context, the reverse of the postcard provides the soul. It was mailed to a Miss M. Welham at "Hill Rise," Surbiton Hill Road, Surbiton, Surrey.

The Postmark and Stamp

The card features a crisp Edinburgh postmark dated April 21, 1934. The postage used is a classic red One Penny stamp featuring King George V. In 1934, a penny was the standard rate for inland postcards, a reminder of a time when daily mail was the primary "social media" of the era.

The Message from Nancye

The handwriting is fluid and casual, written by someone clearly enjoying her holiday despite the famously fickle Scottish weather. The message reads:

"Am having gorgeous time, in spite of weather. Have been here since Tuesday & return end of week. Thanks for letter last received. I have forgotten what it said now, but never mind—my love to all & you. Nancye"

There is something incredibly relatable about Nancye’s note. Her admission that she has "forgotten" what the previous letter said, but is writing anyway just to send love, bridges the 90-year gap between her world and ours. It reflects the "wish you were here" sentiment that has defined travel for over a century.

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The Maker: Valentine’s of Dundee

The card bears the hallmark of Valentine & Sons, a prolific Scottish printing company. Founded in Dundee, Valentine’s became one of the world's leading producers of postcards. By the time this card was printed in the 1930s, their "Real Photograph" series was highly prized for its clarity and depth compared to cheaper lithographic prints. The logo featuring the two globes and the slogan "Famous Throughout the World" was a point of immense civic and corporate pride.

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Why This Postcard Matters to Collectors

For a deltiologist (a postcard collector), this item is a "triple threat":

1. Topographical Interest: It documents the specific layout of a UNESCO World Heritage site before modern renovations.

2. Social History: It captures the fashion, transport, and communication habits of the Great Depression era.

3. Condition: The card is remarkably well-preserved. The "Real Photo" finish has kept its contrast, and the stamp and postmark are legible, which adds significant value for those interested in postal history.

Then vs. Now

If you stood on the Scott Monument today, much of this view would remain recognizable. The Royal Scottish Academy remains a cultural pillar. However, the shopfronts have changed, the horse-drawn echoes of the previous century are long gone, and the sea of umbrellas Nancye likely encountered would now be joined by thousands of smartphones capturing the same iconic vista.

This postcard is more than just paper and ink; it is a time capsule. It reminds us that while the "weather" in Edinburgh might be a constant struggle for tourists, the beauty of the city and the urge to share it with loved ones at home is timeless.

A Rainy Day in the Highlands: Postcard from Callander

This postcard is a wonderful find, pairing a beautiful early 20th-century painting with a detailed, personal message that truly transports you to a wet, wild day in Scotland.

Highland Sheep

The Image: Highland Sheep

The front of the card features a serene painting titled "HIGHLAND SHEEP," likely an oil or watercolour reproduction:

• Scene: The image shows a group of sheep gathered on a rocky, heather-covered hillside. The vibrant pink and purple heather contrasts beautifully with the pale wool of the sheep and the misty, blue-grey mountains that fade into the background.

• Atmosphere: The low lighting and hazy mountains evoke the typical dramatic, atmospheric weather of the Scottish Highlands. The painting is signed with initials, possibly "J.W.P" or similar, adding a touch of artistic intrigue.

• Publisher: The card is an "APOLOGY AND CONGRATULATORY VALENTINE." This, combined with the "VALENTINE'S POST CARD" header and the image of a globe and heart reading "LOVE THROUGHOUT," suggests it was printed as a multi-purpose greeting card, sent here as a general letter.

The Message: "The wettest parts of Scotland"

The postcard was sent from Perthshire, Scotland, and addressed to Mrs. Welham in Surbiton, Surrey, England.

The postmark is clearly dated 27 MAR 1916, placing the message right in the middle of World War I and the reign of King George V.

The sender, writing to "Dear Mother," provides a vivid account of their travels:

"Dear Mother. We are now at Cullomlar and I think that the Trossachs are one of the wettest parts of Scotland. It rained all day last night and up to 5pm today. The locks were extremely rough and troughs round even a whole beer keg have fallen in the road. Apologies and sorry latter on the other side. Awaiting culture of the people and children. Love. D"

Key Takeaways from the Message:

• Location: The sender mentions being at Cullomlar (likely referring to Callander, near The Trossachs National Park, famous for its lochs like Loch Katrine).

• Weather: The emphasis on the rain is striking—"It rained all day last night and up to 5pm today." This reinforces the card's atmospheric image.

• War-Time Travel: Despite the dark cloud of WWI hanging over the country, people were clearly still travelling and sending detailed updates home.

• The Stamps: The two stamps are particularly interesting: a King George V 1d (Penny) stamp and a 3d Revenue stamp, used for postal purposes at the time, offering an accurate date marker.

This postcard is a phenomenal piece of history, linking the beauty of the Highlands with a personal moment from over a century ago.

A Swim a Day: Postcard from Larne, 1908

This early 20th-century postcard provides a beautiful hand-coloured view of the Northern Irish coast and an enchanting message detailing a simple, active holiday routine.

Island Magee, Larne, County Antrim 1908

The Image: Island Magee, County Antrim

The front of the card, labelled "Island Magee. Aug. 7" (likely indicating the date the image was captured, or perhaps the card's edition), presents a picturesque view of the coast near Larne, County Antrim:

• The Scene: We see a wide expanse of the shoreline, with the water ebbing out to reveal a muddy foreshore dotted with seaweed. A prominent, tall, cylindrical structure (perhaps a former lighthouse or beacon) stands on the shore.

• The Background: The background features rolling green hills and a scattering of coastal buildings. The overall tone, achieved through the hand-colouring process, gives the scene a slightly romantic, historic appearance.

• Location: The area around Larne, including Islandmagee, is famous for its stunning coastal path and views toward the mouth of Larne Lough.

The Message: "Two bathings every day"

The postcard was sent to Mrs. Lowe at an address in Belfast.

The postmark is clearly dated 12:30 PM, AUG 8, 08 (August 8th, 1908), confirming the card's Edwardian vintage and the use of the King Edward VII one-penny stamp.

The sender, signing off as "K. O. S," gives a wonderful, detailed account of their seaside activities:

"Having such a nice time! Two bathings every day. The papers here are very poor. Love from K. O. S."

Key Takeaways from the Message:

• "Two bathings every day": This is a fantastic detail! "Bathing" refers to swimming, and the mention of two dips a day highlights how central sea-swimming was to seaside holidays at the time. It speaks to a very invigorating and active holiday!

• "The papers here are very poor": A wonderfully human detail. Even in 1908, people were concerned about the quality of their news updates while away!

• The Date: The 1908 date places this card firmly in the early part of the postcard boom, when sending daily updates was a popular and stylish means of communication.

This postcard is a cherished piece, perfectly documenting a summer holiday in Ulster over a century ago.

A View from 1908: Postcard from Aysgarth Village

One of the great joys of collecting postcards is the way they connect different eras. This latest addition to my collection is a fantastic example, featuring a photograph taken over a century ago, paired with a personal message written in the modern age.

Aysgarth Village 1908, Francis Firth Collection

The Image: Aysgarth Village, 1908

The front of the postcard displays a sepia-toned image of a quiet, unpaved street titled "Aysgarth Village, 1908."

Aysgarth is a charming village in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire, famous for the beautiful Aysgarth Falls. The image, part of The Francis Frith Collection, shows a row of traditional stone and brick buildings.

• The street is deserted, giving the scene a serene, timeless quality.

• The architecture—especially the bay windows and decorative trim on the large building in the foreground—offers a glimpse into the village life of the early 20th century.

• The card itself notes that the view is from The Francis Frith Collection archive, which contains over 300,000 views of 4,000 towns and villages in Britain between 1860 and 1970.

The Message: Yorkshire’s Beauty and a Forgotten Nail Varnish

The handwritten message on the back is full of warmth, written by Dawn and Francis to Mr. and Mrs. P.W. Tead in Hull. It reads:

“Dear Mum + Dad + grand Thanks for a brilliant day on Saturday. We’re having a great time—don’t know what day or what time it is most of the time! Francis can’t believe how amazing + beautiful Yorkshire is. Now he can understand why God lives here. I’ve left my pink nail varnish which I painted over the fire on Saturday. Don’t want to take it off. see you soon. Love Dawn + Francis.”

A Few Fun Observations:

• The "God Lives Here" Endorsement: Francis's declaration is a wonderful, light hearted testament to the breath taking beauty of the Yorkshire Dales.

• Lost in Time: "Don't know what day or what time it is" perfectly captures the blissful, relaxing feeling of a true holiday getaway.

• The Mystery of the Pink Nail Varnish: The casual mention of leaving the nail varnish, painted "over the fire," adds a hilariously specific, human touch to the message. It's the kind of detail that turns a generic card into a personal memory.

🏷️ Postcard Details

• View Date: 1908

• View Credit: The Francis Frith Collection

• Postmark: Appears to be DUMFRIES, SCOTLAND, dated 6 PM on an unknown day, potentially linking the sender's current location to Scotland, even though the postcard depicts Yorkshire.

• Recipient: Mr and Mrs P.W. Tead, Tranby Ride, Tranby Lane, Anlaby, Hull, HU10 7EG.

This postcard is a wonderful merger of British history, captured by Frith, and a moment of pure family connection.

Village Secrets: A Glimpse of Rural Somerset in the Edwardian Era

This postcard, titled "Village Gossips," captures a moment of everyday life in a way that modern media rarely does. It’s an evocative illustration of two women meeting on a country lane to exchange news and, perhaps, a few secrets.

Village Gossips

The Image: Village Gossips

The front of the postcard is a colour illustration—a popular style in the early 20th century—that immediately establishes a strong rural setting:

• The Scene: Two women are meeting near a wooden gate and a dry stone wall, in front of a modest brick cottage. The setting, complete with a dirt road, suggests a quiet English village.

• The Subjects: The woman in the foreground is dressed in dark, traditional working clothes and a white headscarf, suggesting she is out running errands or returning home. The woman leaning against the wall is dressed in lighter, more contemporary attire for the era (around 1900-1910). The title confirms their activity: a simple meeting for a friendly chat.

• The Publisher: The card is a "TUCK'S POST CARD," published by Raphael Tuck & Sons, a hugely famous and prolific company known for their high-quality artistic postcards.

The Message: Safe Return to Winscombe

The postcard was sent to Miss Pond at the Pink House in Clapstable, Winscombe, Somerset.

Though the handwriting is ornate and challenging to read in places, the message appears to be a friendly update, possibly from someone who has recently travelled:

"Dear Miss Pond. I have arrived safe and well and Sannie returned safely back and is quite pleased. I intend [to] [come] back [here] [next] [week] [and] [get] [a] few things. Hope you are enjoying the journey. Love, T.B."

Key Takeaways from the Message:

• Location: The destination, Winscombe, Somerset, suggests the image is meant to represent general English village life, perhaps mirroring the recipient’s own locale.

• The Date: The stamp and postmark are difficult to read precisely, but the undivided back (where the message and address are mixed on one side, separated only by a vertical line, common in the UK from 1902 onwards) and the King Edward VII one-penny stamp confirm an early 20th-century date, likely between 1902 and 1910.

• The Name "Sannie": The mention of "Sannie" returning safely is a sweet detail. "Sannie" may refer to a relative, a child, or even a beloved pet who completed a journey.

This postcard perfectly blends art, social history (the tradition of village gossip), and personal connection, all thanks to the enduring quality of a Tuck's Post Card.

Yorkshire's "Glorious Weather": Waterfalls and Wonders

 The Yorkshire Dales are famous for their rolling hills, dry stone walls, and, perhaps most spectacularly, their many waterfalls. This vintage postcard, titled "Dales Waterfalls," beautifully captures the essence of this "holiday paradise" and includes a lovely message from a 1975 trip.

Yorkshire Dales Waterfalls

The Image: Dales Waterfalls

The front of the postcard is a bright, multi-view collage featuring three different cascades, typical of the limestone landscape found in the Dales:

• Views: We see powerful waterfalls spilling over wide, tiered rock ledges into clear pools. The surrounding banks are lined with lush, dark-green woodland, contrasting with the pale, cracked riverbeds below.

• Mood: The views perfectly convey the rugged, wild beauty of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

• Publisher: The card was published by Bamforth & Co. Ltd. Publishers, Holmfirth, a well-known name in British postcard history. The card itself is printed in Spain.

The Message: "Glorious weather" in '75

The message, written on the back of the card which declares "YORKSHIRE'S holiday paradise," is from Dorothy and John to Mr. A. Green in Hyde, Cheshire.

• Date: The postmark, clearly visible on the two Queen Elizabeth II Machin stamps, is dated 25 JUN 1975, placing the holiday squarely in the summer of the mid-seventies.

• The Experience: The message is simple and cheerful:

  "Having a few days with Tom & Mary. Glorious weather come when we are back home. Dorothy & John"

• The Context: "Glorious weather" in England is a treasure, and the sender is clearly basking in the sunshine. The fact that the card is sent during the holiday but the sender invites the recipient to visit after they return home suggests they were having such a nice time that they were already thinking about their next visit!

The Bamforth Connection

Bamforth & Co. is a fascinating part of British postcard history, though they are most famous for their saucy seaside postcards. This scenic view is a wonderful reminder that they published high-quality landscape photography as well, promoting the beauty of regions like the Yorkshire Dales as a perfect summer destination.

A Taste of the Sixties Seaside: Postcard from Brixham

There’s something incredibly evocative about a vintage postcard from a British seaside town. They transport you back to an era of classic summer holidays, good entertainment, and simple pleasures. This latest addition to the collection, featuring Brixham, Devon, is a perfect example.

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Brixham showing Torbay

The Image: Brixham, Showing Torbay

The front of the postcard (V.8148, Colour Photo by John T. Pullen) offers a beautiful panoramic view of the bustling fishing port of Brixham, part of the scenic English Riviera in Devon.

• The view looks out over the harbour and the sparkling blue waters of Torbay.

• The hillside is covered in the closely packed, colourful houses and buildings typical of a busy coastal town.

• In the foreground, a gnarled tree trunk and rocky outcrop frame the view, adding a rustic, natural element to the scene.

• The harbour itself is dotted with fishing boats and leisure craft, highlighting Brixham’s dual role as a working port and a holiday destination.

The stamp shows the Queen Elizabeth II Machin design, and the postmark includes the phrase "DEVON'S GOLDEN PLYMOUTH."

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The Message: "Plenty of good food & entertainment"

The handwritten message, dated 10 Sept '69, paints a clear picture of a pleasant late-summer holiday. The sender, Constance, is writing to Grace & Jim in Luton, Bedfordshire.

"Dear Grace + Jim. Having a nice holiday here at Brixham camp. Plenty of good food & entertainment. Nice walks around camp. Love, Alice. Best" (Note: The signature appears to be "Alice" with "Constance" written at the top centre, possibly indicating the sender is Alice, and the card is addressed from the camp at Constance.)

Key Takeaways from the Message:

• Date: The stamp is clearly dated 4 SEP 1969, meaning the card was posted just as the summer season was winding down.

• Location: The sender is staying at a "Brixham camp," suggesting a caravan park or holiday camp, which were hugely popular holiday options in the 1960s.

• The Vibe: The simple endorsement of "good food & entertainment" and "Nice walks" perfectly encapsulates the uncomplicated joys of a mid-century British seaside break.

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A Moment in Time

This postcard connects a stunning view of Devon with a personal memory from 1969. It’s a wonderful peek into a time when a simple card sent home was the main way to share holiday experiences—long before photos and updates could be instantly shared. It makes you wonder what specific entertainment Alice enjoyed at the Brixham camp!

Postcard from the Past: An Irish Harpist and a Message Home

I recently added a charming vintage postcard to my collection, and it’s a delightful snapshot of Irish culture and personal connection. Postcards like this are more than just images; they are tangible pieces of history, carrying the weight of a moment in time and a voice from the past.

Traditional Irish Harpist by an Irish Cottage.

The Image: A Taste of Traditional Ireland

The front of the postcard features a beautifully composed image titled, "Traditional Irish Harpist by an Irish Cottage."

• A woman with striking red hair is seated outside a traditional white-washed cottage with a thatched roof.

• She is elegantly dressed in what appears to be a red dress or skirt and a dark shawl, contrasting beautifully with the bright gold and wood of her Irish harp.

• The cottage, with its simple door and small window, is surrounded by flourishing greenery and flowers, evoking a sense of tranquil, rural life.

The Irish harp is a powerful symbol of Ireland—it is even the national emblem—and this image perfectly captures the spirit of traditional Irish music and heritage.

The Message: "Had a lovely time here in Ireland"

Flipping the card over reveals a handwritten message and the details of its journey. The sender clearly had a wonderful trip:

"Had a lovely time here in Ireland. Weather really lovely. I enjoyed the sea air + was enjoyable. It is a lovely country. All news when I see you next week. Home on Sunday. I hope you all come [to visit] soon. Love, All [the best]."

The message is addressed to Mr. Bennett at an address in Blackheath, London, England.

🏷️ Postcard Details

• Publisher: Published by Cardall Ltd., Dublin. Printed in the Republic of Ireland.

• Postmark: The postmark appears to read "CARRAIG..." (possibly Carrick-on-Shannon or a similar Irish location) and the date is visible as '71, likely indicating the year 1971.

• Stamp: A lovely Irish stamp featuring a Celtic design and the word "ÉIRE."

Why I Love This Piece

This postcard is a wonderful find because it ties together several themes: the romanticism of traditional Irish life, the enduring power of music and national symbols, and the simple, human act of sharing a travel experience with a loved one. It makes you wonder about the sender, their holiday in Ireland, and the life of Mr. Bennett in London.