Forgotten Art of the Picture Postcard: U3A November meeting

Brilliant British Humour was the subject of an amusing and entertaining illustrated talk by Dr James Taylor at the monthly meeting on 12th November.  

Artist-drawn comic postcards enjoyed great popularity from the start of the 20th century. They were swapped and collected and widely used as a cheap and quick means of communication. Leading artists such as Donald McGill and Mabel-Lucie Attwell, each had their own styles. Artistic influences of the period were also reflected in the postcards.

Saucy seaside postcards were part of the British tradition from the heyday of the picture postcard through to the 1950s and 60s.  During the First World War, the Government quickly realised that receiving mail was an important way of bolstering morale and stiffening resolve both for the armed forces and at home.  Humorous postcards commenting on the perilous times of war helped to bring people together and harness British stoicism.  

The group thoroughly enjoyed the postcards shown, which raised many a chuckle, as well as the wealth of knowledge shared.

The December meeting will be a Christmas lunch at the Farmhouse Inn at Southwick.  In the New Year there will be a meeting on Tuesday 14th January at 2.00 pm at the United Reformed Church Hall, Westbury. Martin Horler will speak to members on the ‘Role of the Royal Mail Guard’.  New  and prospective members will be very welcome. For membership enquiries telephone 01373 670023.