30/07/2017
NATIONAL POSTCARD WEEK
MAY 4 – 10, 1986
The front of this postcard looks old, which is achieved using the brown toned printing. It depicts 10 old postcards on what is clearly, from the title, a postcard from 1986 issued to celebrate National Postcard Week in America. This was a privately produced postcard which I suspect was not issued in a very high number. The reverse side of this old looking design is entirely different in tone to the front, as you will see below.
REVERSE SIDE OF ABOVE POSTCARD
This has a very modern appearance
30/07/2017
NELSON MANDELA
TALKING TO THE GHOSTS OF MAHATMA GANDHI &
ABRAHAM LINCOLN & MARTIN LUTHER KING
Published by
GREAT IDEAS OF MIAMI
Ref: 2154/GI-55
Designed by
Liz Wensjoe
This design is copyrighted to 1990 and was from a company that issued a number of political themed cartoon cards, all of a larger, more ‘squarer’ shaped size. The designs were perhaps not fantastic but the cards were still eagerly collected at the time. Copies even made it across from the US to the UK. Having posted the Abraham Lincoln photograph postcard this morning I thought I would post this one when I came across it this afternoon.
30/07/2017
DISNEY’S
ANIMAL KINGDOM
Official Theme Park Exclusive Postcard
This is an official postcard available, or at least it was, in the Animal Kingdom theme park in Walt Disney World, Florida. I bought it on a previous trip. The image depicts a range of characters, from a number of different Disney films. I do like the fact that the crazy bird from the Pixar feature film ‘Up’ also makes an appearance (far right). My favourite addition is the blue TV set between Chip and Dale as this allows me to add this to my TV collection.
REVERSE SIDE OF ABOVE POSTCARD
Another example of a nice reverse side section of decoration
30/07/2017
NOTTINGHAM POSTCARD CLUB
At the VALE HOTEL
THACKERAY’S LANE
DAYBROOK
ARNOLD
NOTTINGHAM
Published by
P.W. JUDSON & A.C. VEASEY (Otherwise more commonly known as J.V. POSTCARDS)
Ref: J/V 257X
(J/V SERIES)
A simple postcard from the mid 1980’s which publicises the existence of the Nottingham Postcard Club, which I believe is still running today. The design was drawn by G.M. Hopcraft (in 1984) and I suspect that he was a club member, as this was often the case around this time with clubs and fairs being advertised by postcards depicting images drawn by club members. Postcard fair and club postcards are not as popular as they were but they still form a direct link to collectors from this period (which is now over 30years ago)
30/07/2017
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Published by
Parks & History Assoc, Washington D.C.
Distributed by
Richard W. Coffman
Ref: B9138 (D1863)
“This little-known photograph of Lincoln was taken by Matthew Brady sometime in 1863. Among Lincoln photographs, it is notable for its life-like softness of features and the quiet calm it projects. The signature is a facsimile from the Bliss Manuscript of the Gettysburg Address; it is a departure from his usual habit of signing ‘A. Lincoln’ – Courtesy of the Library of Congress”
(Text from Reverse side of Postcard)
The descriptive text above gives all the information you need and it is useful when postcard publishers do this.
28/07/2017
GOOFY, MICKEY AND PLUTO
POSE WITH ONE OF THE MANY DISNEY ENTERTAINMENT GROUPS
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Official Postcard
This is an older Walt Disney World postcard but it does depict three of the famous Disney characters. I liked this one but to honest this one was bought because of what someone has done on the reverse side, so, have a look below.
11 – 18 – 78
(18th November 1978)
A Salute to
“Mickey” on his
50th Birthday
1928 – MICKEY MOUSE – 1978
Lake Buena Vista, Florida
The over-pint and the arrangement of stamps and cancellation were here arranged by a company called ‘ARDEE COVERS’ from Miami. What they have done is applied two USA Postage Stamps, one being the 1968 Walt Disney Commemoration stamp (SG 1340), the other one is the 1965 issue for the 400th Anniversary of Florida Settlement (SG 1253). Both stamps are relevant, with the first being an obvious connection, but, with the second you have the fact that ‘Walt Disney World’ is located in Florida, and the stamp celebrates Florida’s early settlement.
Mickey Mouse first appeared in a black and white animated film called ‘Steamboat Mickey’ which was first shown on the 18th November 1928 at Universal’s Colony Theatre in New York. The two stamps on this postcard have been cancelled on the 50th anniversary of the first appearance of Mickey Mouse.
I think they did a good job here and as a result this postcard should cost someone around £7 - £9, and it is a much collected card in the US.
28/07/2017
HOLBY CITY
SIGNED CHARACTER CARDS
Official BBC 1 Promotional Cards
HOLBY CITY
RIC
PLAYED BY HUGH QUARSHIE
Autographed on the front by
Hugh Quartier
These cards are postcard size and of the equivalent card quality, if not better than many, but they have information styled backs instead of proper postcard backs. But, although this is the case with many TV character promotional cards (either information backed or just as commonly just plain backed) these are still eagerly sought and collected by those like me who collect television as their postcard theme. Obviously, signed examples are better, and worth more than unsigned copies (although signed examples are often more common).
I have met Hugh Quarshie who was signing at a Sci-Fi convention event I attended some years ago now. He was there because he had appeared in a Star Wars film – Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace – where he played the character Captain Panaka. He has also appeared in the film ‘Highlander and the TV series ‘Dr Who’, so I was eager to obtain his autograph, which I got on a Star Wars postcard. When I saw this one recently I bought it to add to my collection.
REVERSE SIDE OF ABOVE CARD
HOLBY CITY
CHRISSIE
PLAYED BY TINA HOBLEY
Autographed on the front by
Tina Hobley
This one I obtained at the same time as the Hugh Quarshie card depicted above. I liked this one as I think the photograph was good. Again, it has been signed on the front, although this one has not been dedicated, although this does not bother me greatly although I do accept it often improves the value of the signed item if it is not dedicated to someone (but I always get my postcards signed to me as they are souvenirs of meeting these people)
REVERSE SIDE OF ABOVE CARD
27/07/2017
SUMMER FUNICULAR VIEW TO LOCH MORLICH
NATURAL RETREATS
CAIRNGORM MOUNTAIN
Published by
ANDY GRAY DIGITAL
I have previously posted a postcard which depicts the actual funicular carriage so here is a view from that vehicle
REVERSE SIDE OF ABOVE POSTCARD
Applied cachet:
‘Cairngorm Mountain
UK’s Highest Post Box
1097m’
27/07/2017
SPIDER
1994
Bronze, Silver Nitrate and Brown Patina, and Granite
By
Louise Bourgeois
Published on behalf of the
ARTIST ROOMS – NATIONAL GALLERIES SCOTLAND – TATE
I bought this postcard at the Tate Modern Gallery shop in London earlier this year. I am not adverse to modern art, in fact I like much of it but, I do prefer stuff where some work, and skill has gone into the production of the piece. I think this spider has been extremely well constructed and it does appeal to me.
27/07/2017
“THIS IS MY FAVOURITE PROGRAMME”
‘Presenting RIN TIN TIN – THE WONDER DOG’
Published by
BAMFORTH & CO., LTD
Holmfirth, Yorkshire
In their:
‘GOOD LUCK’ Series
Ref: G307
This postcard depicts a really nice old television set, on the screen of which is mentioned the dog called ‘Rin Tin Tin’. This was an Alsatian (German Shepherd) dog from a television series which originally ran from October 1954 through to May 1959. In America, the series ran on the ABC television network and in all 166 episodes were aired. The dog was the pet of a boy being raised, after being orphaned after a raid, by what were called Indians in the series, by soldiers at a US Cavalry post called ‘Fort Apache’. The series was very popular in the US and here in the UK.
27/07/2017
THE BEATLES
1962
Published by
MUSIC + ARTS PICTURES
At LEBRECHT
When it comes to the world of pop music there is little doubt that the group ‘The Beatles’ are the most collected where postcards are concerned, even recent modern issues like this one here.
26/07/2017
WONDERGROUND GALLERY
WALT DISNEY WORLD
FLORIDA
Original Artwork of
“GENTLE COMPANION”
By Artist
Jeremiah Ketner
Time for some more of the Disney ‘Wonderground Gallery’ postcards. I am going to show you three his evening all of which were bought in the same shop. The shop is located on the other side of the small square to Gaston’s Tavern, which is over the back in The Magic Kingdom theme park in Disney World Florida. All three of these postcards depict Belle from the animated film ‘Beauty and the Beast’, two also feature the Beast as well.
WONDERGROUND GALLERY
WALT DISNEY WORLD
FLORIDA
Original Artwork of
“BELLE – BELLE OF THE BALLROOM”
By Artist
Jeff Granito
I think this is one of the best of the ‘Belle’ postcards I have managed to buy from the Wonderground Gallery series. It is a lovely image and was a very popular postcard in the shop.
WONDERGROUND GALLERY
WALT DISNEY WORLD
FLORIDA
Original Artwork of
“SOMETHING MORE”
By Artist
Sydney Hanson
There is story behind my copy of this postcard. I had already picked out the above two postcards from their location in the shop (see below) when I then saw this postcard. There was only the one copy in the box and unfortunately there was a very small roughing to the part of the top edge. Most people would not have noticed it but if you are collector and you are going to pay $4.99 for a postcard I think it is fair to expect to buy a perfect copy. So, I took the card to the counter and asked nicely if they had another copy. Sadly, the card I had found was the last in their stock. Happily, the shop manager decided I could have it for free! So, this postcard came my way by the kindness of the shop staff (I did not see a copy anywhere else either so this was the last chance I had to add it to my collection).
PHOTOGRAPH
Display within the shop close to Gaston’s Tavern in The Magic Kingdom Theme Park
The Top postcard can be seen centre bottom of this picture. The same image can also be seen on framed pictures, large and smaller.
25/07/2017
TOXTETH 1981
Exhibition held at the
MERSEYSIDE MARITIME MUSEUM
ALBERT DOCK, LIVERPOOL
“INTERNATIONAL SLAVERY MUSEUM”
“NATIONAL MUSEUMS LIVERPOOL”
1ST July 2011 – 1st July 2012
Strangely, postcards depicting scenes of riots and ‘large scale’ disturbances are not uncommon. Because I was, for 18 years year’s, a riot trained officer I sort of had an interest. I have subsequently built up a reasonable collection of postcards which depict such scenes as this, although in the modern era I found that those connected with the Poll Tax riots and the disturbances around the Miners strike of the 1980’s appeared more than perhaps any other events. This exhibition advert postcard from 2011 is the only postcard that I can think of in my collection which relates to the Toxteth riots. These occurred after the arrest of a Leroy Alphonse Cooper by the police on 3rd July. This was watched by an angry crowd who saw what was in their eyes a heavy-handed arrest. The police already had a bad reputation for stopping and searching members of the black community who resided in area which had one of the highest unemployment rates in the country in a time when the economy was in recession. The subsequent riot involved pitched battles between police and youths during which petrol bombs and paving stones were thrown. For the first time on UK soil, outside of Northern Ireland the police fired CS gas canisters at the crowd but the rioting continued for nine days. The official toll is that 468 police officers were injured (although some reports say 450 and others over a 1000), 500 people were arrested and 70 buildings were so badly damaged by fire they needed to be demolished (also around 100 cars were destroyed, many by fire). One member of the public (David Moore) was killed when he was hit by a police van. But, one thing I cannot seem to find is a number for those who were injured who were not police, those caught up in the riots on the other side. The riots had long lasting affect’s and although overshadowed some by the Brixton riots of the same period they are remembered by those who were there and by the many more that watched the events on their television or read about them in the daily papers.
REVERSE SIDE OF ABOVE POSTCARD
25/07/2017
SOUVENIR OF
CRYSTAL PALACE LONDON
DESTROYED BY FIRE 30TH November 1936
“COLLO COLOUR” POSTCARD
Published by
VALENTINE & SONS, LTD (Dundee and London)
I collect postcards of the Crystal Palace, and especially those which depict the fire that totally destroyed the structure in 1936. Believe it or not, I collect these because there is an historic television connection with this event. The television pioneer John Logie Baird had his offices located in the Crystal Palace. In 1936, he was fighting against Marconi for the contact to provide the BBC with television. He was the underdog, which the general British public always like but in all honesty his system was not as good as Marconi’s but he was still in the running . That was until the fire that gutted the Crystal Palace and which destroyed all his spare equipment. The fire left him in no position to continue any successful campaign against Marconi who ended up with the contract. So, that is the TV connection and that is why I collect postcards like this.
25/07/2017
FIRST FOOTBALL GAME
SCOTCH COLLEGE v MELBOURNE GRAMMER SCHOOL
RICHMOND PARK
(Umpire – T.W. WILLS)
Watercolour on paper – 2001
By
Robert Ingpen
MELBOURNE CRICKET CLUB
NATIONAL SPORTS MUSEUM (2008)
Produced by
Cornflower
The sport of Football is very popular in the postcard world and although most postcards depict individual players or teams I have always preferred the more unusual images like this one. I think this may also be partially due to my interest in history as this image is from the first recorded match of Australian Rules Football in 1858.
24/07/2017
I WAS A RICH MAN’S PLAYTHING 1947
By
EDUARDO PAOLOZZI
Collage mounted on card
Presented to the TATE by the artist in 1971
Published by
THE TATE GALLERY
This piece has a bit of interest beyond just being a piece of art. The pin-up girl is very remerniscant of many such females that appeared on advertising postcards in the 1940’s and 1950’s so naturally her appearance here intrigued me. I am also interested in military themed postcards and this again fits. Is it art though? I don’t care.
24/07/2017
MANX FOLK DANCE SOCIETY
13TH AUGUST 2011
60TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL
This plain backed card was specially produced to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Manx Folk Dane Society (after all, that’s what it says on the card!). A very special friend of mine, David, had this copy cancelled on the actual date – 13th August 2011 – with the Isle of Man stamp being cancelled with a CASTLETOWN, ISLE OF MAN date stamp. It is a very special postcard in my collection because it is so unusual. It would of course also be of interest to a railway collector, but they can not have it.
24/07/2017
POUR LES RENSEIGNEMENTS DESIRES
SOULEVEZ MA PELERINE ET VOUS VERREZ…
DUNKERQUE
FOR DESIRED INFORMATION
LIFT MY CAPE AND YOU WILL SEE…
DUNKIRK
Published by
EDITIONS GABY
Artaud Pere et Fils, Editeurs – Avenue de la Close, Nantes
Ref: 157
This is a ‘PULL OUT’ postcard where a strip of views of a location are enclosed under a flap (which is clearly referred to here as the PELERINE in french as the flap is actually the policemans cape). The location here is appropriate and topical as the feature film ‘Dunkirk’ was released only last week and this postcard contains images from this area of France.
This is also an example of a postcard image which could be used for any number of different locations and you will see this same postcard used for other locations in France. You will probably be able to see that the location of ‘Dunkerque’ has been printed using a different font and sized text, this is because this has been applied to a previously printed postcard image.
PHOTOGRAPH
Here you can where I have pulled out the strip of black and white photographs which are contained under the policemans cape.
REVERSE SIDE OF ABOVE POSTCARD
For some reason the simple layout of this side appeals to me
24/07/2017
PHOTOGRAPH
WRITERS STOP
‘HOLLYWOOD STUDIO’S’
Disney Theme Park
Florida
This is not a postcard, it is a photograph of what used to be one of my favourite stops when visiting the Hollywood Studios theme park in Florida. It was actually a favourite quiet place for many seasoned ‘Disney World’ visitors but it sadly was closed down last year to make way for the parks expansion into what will be a far larger Star Wars themed area. But, I hear you ask, what is the postcard connection here. Well, see below…
PHOTOGRAPH
INSIDE THE WRITER’S STOP
‘HOLLYWOOD STUDIO’S’
Disney Theme Park
Florida
One of the things I really liked about this small café and book shop, which was very small by Disney standards, was the framed enlarged images of old American postcards that appeared on the wall behind the serving counter. I wonder where these are now?
Disney changes all the times (and there are some amazing things happening over the next 4 to 5 years - including the Star Wars expansion which I will admit I am looking forward too, despite it meaning I will have to go back in 2019 when it is planned to open) but the closure of this little piece of heaven is a sad loss. At least I took these photos on a previous visit.
When I visit again later this year I shall miss this little place.
24/07/2017
BEATRIX POTTER
150TH ANNIVERSARY
STAMP PACK
ROYAL MAIL
Last week I was in my local WH SMITH shop when I came across two very unusual items in the magazine racks. These were A4 sized packs which were advertised as containing an A4 sized information card and a special postcard. There were two packs, neither of which I could open to check on, but curiosity got the better of me and despite the fact that these were £9.99 each I decided to buy them.
PHOTOGRAPH
FRONT COVER OF THE BEATRIC POTTER STAMP PACK
Actually a foldeer containing an A4 card and a postcard.
BEATRIX POTTER
STAMP PACK
POSTCARD
The postcard, which does have a proper full postcard reverse, has a printed copy of Beatrix Potter’s signature on the front along with a quote from Potter. Also, and more interestingly, and possibly explaining the cost of this pack, the front of the card has the six Beatrix Potter Royal Mail stamps applied. These are not printed on the card, these are actual stamps stuck down on the front of the card. This is an unusual card, slaightly larger than normal cards, but a great collectible.
PHOTOGRAPH
EXPANDED PACK
Displaying the A4 Information card and the postcard
Current retail price £9.99
PHOTOGRAPH
THE FIRST WORLD WAR 1916
SOUVENIR STAMP PACK
ROYAL MAIL
Current Retail Price £9.99
This was the second of the two packs available at my local branch of WH SMITH. This one commemorates the the First World War in the year 1916. The front of this pack (A4 sized) depicts the poppy artwork stamp from the 2016 Royal Mail commemorative stamp issue.
FIRST WORLD WAR 1916
STAMP PACK
POSTCARD
As with the Beatrix Potter postcard, mentioned and depicted above, this stamp has all six of the Royal Mail stamps from the 2016 First World War stamp issue applied to the front of the card beside a painting of a battleship from the Battle of Jutland which itself is underneath brief details relating to this naval conflict. Again this has a full postcard reverse and is an unusual postcard.
PHOTOGRAPH
EXPANDED PACK
Displaying the A4 Information card and the postcard
Current retail price £9.99
PHOTOGRAPH
Reverse sides of the two Stamp Packs
You can see that details and images on each of these packs advertises the release of the other pack. This leads me to believe that at present there are only these two packs available. Check out your local WH SMITH branch but remember that these are nearly £10 each, so not cheap, definitely collectible, but not cheap.
23/07/2017
GREENLAND.COM
Unknown Printer
Images of whales have always been popular and you can find any number of them on postcards, especially in countries where they can be seen from. The most iconic image is of the tail of the whale as it flips to re-enter the water. This image is made all the better because of the inclusion of the iceberg, or ice sheet that can be seen in the background.
REVERSE SIDE OF ABOVE POSTCARD
The front image appears here in a greyed-out version – and as you will have realised by now I do like postcards that place some sort of image on the reverse side.
22/07/2017
I WANT YOU TO COME HOME BOYS!
Artwork by
ARTWORK STUDIOS
Published by
EDITION TUSHITA
Ref: PN 16
This poster styled design is clearly based on an earlier American style of war poster but is for a more modern era, the time of Iraq and Afghanistan. The Americans have a great, and understandable, love for their serving forces and they are highly respected by many people. I am therefore sure that many would agree with the sentiments of this poster and hope that their soldiers did and would return home safely.
22/07/2017
OSTERREICHISCHER NATIONAL CIRCUS
1987 TOUR
Published by
THE BADGER PRESS
(A BADGER POSTCARD)
Ref: 01
Modern era circus poster postcards are not that common, you do find the older posters depicted on postcard, and they are very popular, but a modern design like this one shown here are far scarcer. There are also clown collectors out there for whom this would be a great addition, although there are also people who find clowns scary. I don’t find them scary but kind of understand why some do, as they are a bit weird to look at sometimes.
22/07/2017
2008
DISNEYLAND RESORT PARIS
(YEAR POSTCARD)
Novelty Shaped Postcard
The Disney theme parks have a tradition of issuing year postcards for their parks. In Florida, these appear to have been normal shaped cards but in France (Paris) they appear to be larger shaped versions unique to the Disneyland Resort Paris.
REVERSE SIDE OF ABOVE POSTCARD
If you look closely you will see a faded image (what is classed as a ‘Greyed Out’ image) of Mickey Mouse, which is taken from the image that appears on the front.
2009
DISNEYLAND RESORT PARIS
(YEAR POSTCARD)
Novelty Shaped Postcard
I prefer this 2009 design over the previous year’s 2008 one. I think the image is sharper and the castle is much better drawn, although this does mean that I do not like the previous issue.
REVERSE SIDE OF ABOVE POSTCARD
If you look closely you will see a faded image (what is classed as a ‘Greyed Out’ image) of Mickey Mouse, which is taken from the image that appears on the front. This is in the same format, different image, to the above 2008 issue. I have always liked the fact that Disney put thought into the reverse side of their recent issues as this adds interest to them.
20/07/2017
THE MANAGEMENT
NEW HEATHMAN HOTEL
712 S. W. SALMON STREET
PORTLAND
OREGON
Ref: SP 915
“We’re sure you will like our new facilities, including RCA Victor TV, installed for your convenience and comfort.”
Obviously for me it was the television set which drew my attention to this postcard. Many hotel or motel postcards from the 1950’s through to the 1980’s advertised that they had the best of the latest television sets, or that their rooms contained a television set. But, not that many places put the television so importantly in the centre of their advertising material, as done here.
REVERSE SIDE OF ABOVE POSTCARD
20/07/2017
ROMANIA
POSTAL STATIONERY POST CARD
Ref: Cod 016/97
This postal stationery card has received a first day of issue cancellation (dated 28-02-1997), although this has not actually been applied to the pre-printed stamp, which is unusual. I believe that the stamp image is unique to this card and was not issued as an actual stamp. The image on the stamp is also repeated as the large image on the actual card as well. The animal depicted is the racoon dog which is named for its resemblance to the American racoon. It is found in a range of locations but is indigenous to East Asia but can be found as far as Sweden, where it is considered a pest as it is classed as an invasive species.
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