History of the Postcard

History of the Postcard

Plain Postcards appeared in Austria during 1869 and in Britain a year later. The picture postcard began to appear a few years later and during the Paris Exhibition of 1889 they received a big boost in popularity as a means of sending messages.

Virtually every country in the world produced cards in ever increasing numbers. In 1902 Britain was the first country to divide the back thus allowing the address and message on the back and a complete picture on the other side.

The years before the First World War have been called 'The Golden Age' of picture postcards as everybody used them for messages before the telephone was widely in use. Cards of all descriptions and subjects were produced and personal collections were popular, many of these cards being produced in Germany. Of course with the outbreak of hostilities this supply came to an end

After the war the hobby never recovered, understandably a nation trying to come to terms with the enormous casualties found it very difficult to resume any pre-war trivialities. The role of the postcard changed becoming increasingly associated with the Seaside Holiday.

There were several postcard publishers based in Weymouth, among them Debenham, V.H. Bennett, J. Broomfield of King St. Post Office, Chambers of The Esplanade, B. Cummings, F. Gosling, Edward & Priscilla Hitch, Kestins of St. Marys' St., F. W. King of Portland, R. Jeanes, G.A. Paull, Sewards of Turton St., I would welcome any information on any of the above.

Todays postcards are a tribute to the photographers and printers art but in my opinion still lack that certain something in character when compared to their predecessors.