There is a unique magic in the tactile nature of a vintage postcard. It’s a literal piece of history you can hold in your hands—a snapshot of a moment, an artist’s perspective, and a gateway to a specific era. Today, I’m diving into a recent addition to my collection: a beautiful, illustrative postcard of Looe, Cornwall, based on an original painting by the artist Derek Watson.
This isn't just a souvenir; it's a window into the enduring charm of one of Cornwall’s most beloved fishing ports.
The Scene: Life on the Looe Quay
The front of the card features a vibrant, atmospheric watercolour and ink illustration. The scene captures the essence of East Looe, looking across the harbour toward the rising hills of the town.
What makes this particular artwork stand out is its focus on the "working" nature of the town. In the foreground, we see two sturdy wooden fishing boats resting on the sand at low tide, supported by legs to keep them upright. A lone figure in a red shirt is seen working on one of the vessels—a subtle nod to the generations of fishermen who have made their living from these waters.
The background is a delightful tumble of Cornish architecture. The houses, painted in muted whites, greys, and blues, climb the steep hillside, punctuated by the lush greenery of the Cornish coast. The water in the harbour is rendered with soft reflections, suggesting a calm, bright day. The overall aesthetic is one of peaceful productivity—a town that is as beautiful as it is functional.
Dating the Card: A Detective Story
One of the most exciting parts of collecting postcards is trying to pin down exactly when they were produced. While this card was never mailed (leaving us without a helpful postmark), the "clues" on the back tell a compelling story.
Based on the publishing information and the graphic design, I would estimate this card dates to the late 1970s or early 1980s. Here is why:
The Publisher (Chrispdaw): The card was published by "Chrispdaw" at Carwen House Studio in Blisland, Bodmin. Chrispdaw was a prolific publisher of Cornish art postcards during the 70s and 80s, often focusing on local artists.
The Printer (Dowrick Design & Print): Printed in St. Ives, this company was a staple of the Cornish printing industry during the latter half of the 20th century.
Typography and Layout: The clean, sans-serif typeface used for the credits on the reverse side is very characteristic of British graphic design from the late 70s. It lacks the ornate flourishes of earlier decades but hasn't yet moved into the digital-heavy aesthetic of the 90s.
The Artist (Derek Watson): Derek Watson was well-known for his coastal scenes and maritime art. His style in this period perfectly captured the "New Cornish" art movement—accessible, evocative, and deeply rooted in the local landscape.
The Timeless Appeal of Looe
Looking at this postcard today, it is striking how much—and how little—has changed. If you were to stand in this exact spot in Looe today, the topography would be instantly recognizable. The "Banjo Pier" (partially visible in the artist's rendering) remains the town's iconic landmark, and the tide still retreats to reveal the sandy floor of the harbour where boats wait for the sea to return.
Looe remains a town of two halves: East Looe, with its narrow shopping streets, sandy beach, and bustling quay; and West Looe, reached by a seven-arched bridge or a quick ferry ride, offering a quieter, more residential charm.
For the modern traveller, Looe offers a blend of traditional Cornish heritage and contemporary coastal life. You can still watch the fish market in action or take a boat trip out to Looe Island (St. George’s Island), a natural sanctuary teeming with seals and seabirds.
Why Collect Postcard Art?
In an age of high-definition smartphone photography, why do we still gravitate toward these illustrated cards?
The Artist’s Interpretation: A photo captures reality, but a painting captures a feeling. Watson’s use of light and the slightly exaggerated verticality of the houses gives Looe a storybook quality that a camera might miss.
A Record of Change: Postcards document the evolution of shopfronts, the types of boats in the harbour, and even the fashion of the people depicted.
Physicality: There is a weight and texture to these cards—the "green tack" marks on the corners of this particular piece show it was once cherished on someone's wall or in an album before finding its way to me.
Preserving the Past
This Derek Watson piece is a testament to the skill of Cornish illustrators and the timelessness of the South West coast. Whether you are a dedicated deltiologist (a postcard collector) or simply someone who loves the salty air of Cornwall, pieces like this serve as a beautiful reminder of why we fall in love with these places in the first place.
