The Serene Harbourside of Polperro

 There is something inherently soothing about the Cornish coastline, and this postcard of Polperro, Cornwall captures that "frozen in time" essence perfectly. Unlike the glossy, high-saturation photographs we often see today, this card features a reproduction of an original painting, lending it a soft, nostalgic texture that feels as warm as a summer evening in the West Country.

The Scene

The artwork, created by artist Derek Watson, depicts the iconic Polperro harbour. Watson’s style emphasizes the tight-knit architecture of the fishing village—cottages stacked almost on top of one another against the lush, green hillside. The foreground is dominated by traditional fishing boats (luggers) resting on the calm water, their masts creating a rhythmic verticality against the horizontal lines of the stone quays.

Technical Details

• Subject: Polperro Harbour, Cornwall.

• Artist: Derek Watson.

• Publisher: Chrispdaw (Carwen House Studio, Blisland, Bodmin).

• Printer: Dowrick Design & Print Ltd., St. Ives.

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Estimating the Date

Pinpointing the exact year of a postcard can be a fun bit of detective work. Based on the publishing credits and the printing style, we can narrow this down:

• The Printer: Dowrick Design & Print Ltd. was quite active in Cornwall from the late 1970s through the 1990s.

• The Design: The clean, sans-serif typography on the reverse side is characteristic of British postcards from the mid-1980s to early 1990s.

• The Publisher: Chrispdaw (based in Blisland) was a known producer of local art-based stationery and postcards during this same window.

Verdict: This card was most likely published between 1985 and 1992. It represents a period when local artists were heavily commissioned to create "souvenir art" that felt more personal than a standard photograph.

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Final Thoughts

Whether you’ve walked those narrow streets yourself or simply dream of a Cornish escape, this Derek Watson piece captures the quiet dignity of a village that has survived on the whims of the sea for centuries. It’s a beautiful addition to any collection focusing on British maritime heritage.

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 Floral Memory: Receiving "Flower Mentions" from Harry

This postcard is a gorgeous piece of sentimental art, showcasing a lavish bouquet of roses and carnations in rich, saturated colours. It's titled simply by the artist's signature "Suzy 379," yet the simple message on the back tells a story of affection and anticipation.

Suzy 379, Floral Display

The Image: Suzy 379

The front of the postcard is a high-quality reproduction of a floral painting or possibly a hand-coloured photograph, giving it a rich, almost velvet-like texture:

• The Flowers: The bouquet features a mix of deep crimson, magenta, white, and pink roses and ruffled carnations, accented by sprays of delicate blue forget-me-nots and baby's breath.

• The Style: The flowers are arranged diagonally across a dark, textured background, drawing the eye across the composition. The style is romantic and decorative, designed to convey a feeling of deep affection, perfect for sending to a loved one.

• The Artist: Postcards signed by "Suzy" are a known feature of early 20th-century collections, though the full identity of the artist remains a popular postcard mystery.

The Message: "Received letter today Friday"

The back of the card, an undivided back (typical of the earlier postcard era or specific publishers), contains a brief, sweet message sent from Harry to Queenie:

"To Queenie received letter today friday with flower Menties so much Will write later with love from Harry x x x x"

Key Takeaways from the Message:

• The Names: The intimate names, Queenie and Harry, suggest a close relationship, likely a courtship or marriage.

• The "Flower Menties": This is the most charming and intriguing detail. "Flower Menties" (mentions) could mean that Harry's letter described flowers he had seen, or perhaps referenced the flowers shown on this card, confirming the card was sent as a direct response to Queenie's letter. It speaks to a shared appreciation of beauty and nature between them.

• The Time: The style of the card and the undivided back suggest a date in the early 1900s (pre-1907 for the UK, but the style persisted), placing this correspondence in the Golden Age of Postcards.

This postcard is a beautiful connection to a time when brief written notes, adorned with rich imagery, were a standard way to share affection and maintain correspondence, showing us the enduring charm of simple, heartfelt greetings.

The Venice of the Cotswolds: Bourton-on-the-Water

 The Cotswolds are renowned for their honey-coloured stone villages and timeless charm, and perhaps the most famous of all is Bourton-on-the-Water. This postcard captures the quintessential beauty of the village, often referred to as the "Venice of the Cotswolds" due to the River Windrush flowing through its heart.

Bourton-on-the-Water, Cotswolds

The Image: Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire

This multi-view card features four distinct images, each showcasing the village's unique character:

• Top Left: A wide view of the River Windrush flowing past a grassy bank, with ducks on the water and classic Cotswold stone buildings and trees in the background.

• Top Right: The focal point of the village—one of the charming, low stone bridges that arch gracefully over the river. These bridges are the village's signature feature.

• Bottom Left: A quiet path following the bank of the river, framed by blossom trees and stone walls, evoking a serene, pedestrian pace of life.

• Bottom Right: A close-up on the famous honey-coloured architecture of the High Street, featuring prominent bay windows and traditional stone construction, capturing the heart of the village centre.

The images are framed by a stone border, enhancing the Cotswold feel of the entire card.

A Timeless Scene

Without a postmark or message, we can only date this card based on its style, which appears to be a modern colour photograph, likely dating from the 1970s through to the 1990s.

Regardless of the date, the views confirm why Bourton-on-the-Water is such a beloved tourist destination:

• The Stone: The uniform use of the local yellow limestone gives the entire village a warm, harmonious appearance.

• The Bridges: The multiple small, narrow bridges spanning the river create an atmosphere of gentle, historic beauty.

This postcard is a classic piece of British travel memorabilia, perfectly encapsulating the charm of the Cotswolds—a place where time seems to slow down.

Quick note on the lack of a back view here: I aim to digitally preserve all written history, but if a card is completely blank on the reverse, I sometimes skip the scan. This one was all about the beautiful front image!

Steam and Stone: Denby Dale Railway Station

There is a timeless beauty in black and white railway photography, and this postcard of Denby Dale Railway Station perfectly captures the industrial romance and community hub of a bygone era. Since the back is lost, we can let the image do all the talking.

Denby Dale Railway Station and Viaduct

The Image: Denby Dale Railway Station

This photograph offers a wonderful, high-angle view of the station, capturing not just the steam engine but the surrounding landscape and architecture that defines this part of Yorkshire.

• The Engine: A steam engine dominates the centre, drawing a line of carriages and billowing a magnificent plume of steam and smoke, evidence of its power and presence. The steam momentarily shrouds the platform, adding a dramatic, energetic feel to the scene.

• The Architecture: The station buildings, with their simple, stone construction and covered platforms, are typical of 19th and early 20th-century railway design in the North of England.

• The Context: The large wagon loaded with coal on the left and the goods crane suggest that this station served an important role not just for passengers, but also for the local industries, such as the famous textile mills hinted at in the distance.

• The Setting: Denby Dale is nestled in the rolling hills of West Yorkshire, known for its deep railway cuttings and impressive viaducts. The houses and village structures cling to the hillside in the background, showing how the railway was integral to the community's layout.

A Moment in Time

Without a postmark or message, we have to estimate the time period based on the technology and fashion. Given the type of steam locomotive and the lack of modern signage, this photo likely dates from the late 1940s to the 1960s, before the full transition to diesel and electric trains.

The postcard captures a moment just before the widespread modernization of Britain's railways. The people standing on the platform—dressed in coats and skirts—are waiting for a journey, large or small, powered by the incredible force of steam. It’s a nostalgic look back at a time when the railway station was the undisputed heart of travel.

This beautiful piece is a fantastic representation of West Yorkshire's industrial and transport heritage.

Quick note on the lack of a back view here: I aim to digitally preserve all written history, but if a card is completely blank on the reverse, I sometimes skip the scan. This one was all about the beautiful front image!

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!

A Birthday Mystery: Postcard Sent "From Us Both"

This postcard is a wonderful example of the artistic and elaborate designs popular in the Edwardian era and immediately preceding it. It is a true piece of sentimental art, though the simple, brief message leaves us with a lovely little mystery.

Vintage "Birthday Greetings" Postcard with Portrait and Vase

The Image: Birthday Greetings

The front is a colourful, composite design that combines a floral still-life with a portrait:

• Design: The background appears to be a textured, grey wall. A large, ornate metallic vase holding a bouquet of pink and white roses stands on a ledge.

• The Portrait: Set into a circular frame on the wall is a hand-coloured photographic portrait of a young woman with a classic, voluminous hairstyle and a dark shawl.

• The Message: Across the top, in elegant gold script, are the words: "Birthday Greetings. Best wishes for Peace, Health And Prosperity."

• Style: This style of postcard, where a portrait is integrated into an artistic setting, was very popular around the early 1900s. The detail, like the roses spilling out of the frame and down the base, is exquisite.

The Message: "With Love and Best Wishes From Us Both"

The back of the postcard is an undivided back (meaning it has no line separating the address and message, typical of postcards before 1902 in the UK, but common for a period after in other countries, or simply a style choice).

The message is brief, elegant, and perfectly suited for a heartfelt greeting:

"With love and best Wishes from us Both."

The sender's signature is just "B.th."

A Note on the Mystery

The most intriguing part is the simple signature, "B.th." Who is "B.th."? And who is the unnamed person in the portrait?

• The Sender: Could "B.th." stand for Beth? Or perhaps Bartholomew?

• "From Us Both": This phrase suggests two people sent the card—perhaps a couple, a parent and child, or two friends. The simple signature may represent just one of them, or a combined initial.

• The Recipient: Since there is no address on the back, we don't know who received the card, or when it was sent, though the "PHILCO SERIES" marking may offer a clue to the publisher.

This card is a sweet reminder that even the briefest message can leave the largest impression, making us wonder about the people who sent and received this beautiful birthday wish over a century ago.

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.