Besançon 1899

This card was posted in August 1899, it’s not often we come across postcards before 1900 so I thought I’d share it with you. It’s not in the best of condition but is interesting because of its age

The statue is of Cardinal Granvelle (1517-1586) who was an influential French statesman and a famous collector of art.

The Blue Pavillion

When I choose postcards to display here I prefer to have cards which I really like. This is why I haven’t added a card for a while.

Recently we bought some more postcards in and I’m starting to sort them into some sort of order. This is one that is going up for auction this evening. At first I thought that the two men might be playing chess, but looking at the card through a magnifying glass I’d say that they are having an animated discussion. The card was sent in 1904 and is in excellent condition. I can almost feel the warm sunshine…

I am here!

It seems such a long time since I last posted. Here’s a souvenir from La Rochelle. The little envelope opens up to reveal a set of miniature postcards of La Rochelle.

Notre Glorieux 75

The first thing I needed to know when I first set eyes on this card was “What does the 75 mean?” It didn’t take long to find out that it was the canon. This canon, first made in 1897, was used from the beginning of the first world war and was legendary for it’s technical excellence. Souvenirs and postcards were made, poems and books were written about this famous canon. In fact it soon became too cumbersome to use in the conditions of battle but it remained a symbol throughout the war. This card was sent at Christmas 1914.

Hermitage

This was in the pile of cards Rob had chosen to be scanned this morning. I really love this one, I imagine hobbits would like to live here. I managed to find a picture online of the inside, but the site of the Ministère de la Culture doesn’t work properly – that figures…

Armistice

An extract from ‘Spring Offensive’ by Wilfred Owen (1893-1918) written in 1918 – never fully revised by Wilfred who was killed one week before the armistice. He is one of my favourite poets.

“Of them who running on that last high place
Breasted the surf of bullets, or went up
On the hot blast and fury of hell’s upsurge,
Or plunged and fell away past this world’s verge,
Some say God caught them even before they fell.”

The terrasses at Monte-Carlo

This is where I’d rather be today. Although it’s sunny here, it’s rather cold and I’d prefer a warmer climate. This card was sent in 1927 from a teacher to a pupil she was obviously fond of who had sent her a letter from Paris. I think the card dates from a lot earlier than 1927 looking at the lovely hats and parasols and the length of the ladies dresses.

Nice to be in Nice

Two cards of Nice, where I’d very much like to be this morning as it’s cold here. The Promenade des Anglais and the Quai des Etats-Unis (United States) are the places to walk, showing off your ‘hat’ and smart clothes.

Several years ago we had a student who came to the house for English lessons, he was retired and used to be head of the toy department in Galeries Lafayette in Nice. He talked sometimes of the rich and famous customers who would come to buy toys for their children and grandchildren. One of these was Princess Grace who he told us insisted on standing in the queue to be served, just like everyone else. He also saw David Niven sometimes and he was every bit the English gentleman as you would imagine.

Auntie Elsie and Rosie

I received this card in the post this morning, it was from my sister – a lovely surprise! ‘Auntie Elsie’ sent it to her naughty niece, Rosie in 1922, she wrote:

“ I am right down ashamed of you if this is the way you are carrying on”

I phoned my sister up later and we wondered what Rosie could have done to deserve such harsh words from her aunt who continued in the very next sentence;

“ Glad you are having nice weather”.

Bern and Mary Plain

If you've come here via Google looking for information on Mary Plain please take time to read the comments. Quite a lot of history and information about Gwynedd Rae has accumulated there.

June 2020:
Three more pictures very kindly sent by Kate Harrison! 

January 2016:
CJB very kindly sent photographs of Gwynedd Rae and has allowed me to include them here (see below)!
 

These two cards are a little out of keeping with my usual choice. They are of the Café-Restaurant Zytglogge in Bern around 1947. Rob chose them and gave them to me to prepare, asking me “Where on earth is Bern?” I know where Bern is. Bern is a very special place to me although I’ve never been there. There used to be bear pits in Bern and a very special bear called Mary Plain lived there until one day the Owl Man took her in his car to live with the Fur Coat Lady. If you know Mary Plain you will know what a svisit is. Mary Plain was written by Gwynedd Rae, the book I read came from my grandmother’s house and I loved it dearly. My mother leant it to someone and we never got it back. The books are out of print today and you have to be very rich, like the Fur Coat Lady, to buy a copy.

I’ve spent a very enjoyable morning looking up Mary Plain thanks to those cards. A question for Peter: Was Mary Plain Swiss? I haven’t been able to find much out about Gwynedd Rae.

Changes

Amongst the cards that Rob gave me to prepare for ebay this morning was this one. I was surprised by the ‘village’ appearance as today Monaco looks like this.

1909

I’d love to be able to dress up and wear a hat like this one. I wonder if it was heavy? Ladies in 1909 would be looking at this kind of creation in the shops and wondering what excuse they could give their husbands for buying yet another hat. The inscription on the back is actually dated 1915, I wonder where the card got to for six years?

Lady with hat and umbrella

I always enjoy looking at how people were dressed, so I was pleased to find this card amongst a lot we bought at auction. I noticed the signature under the chair when I was scanning the card and looked it up. The photographer was Henri Manuel (1874-1947) who was famous for his work and you can still buy posters today. I haven’t been able to find a biography of him though.

On Saturday we’re off to another auction in la Rochelle. I can’t wait to see what interesting cards we come home with.

Flight of fancy

A different type of card today. This postcard was based on a poster for Air France around 1948, just when the world was opening up again after the Second World War. I love the colours, I wonder how many people were inspired to travel by it?

"The Shell Seekers"

Years ago I read 'The Shell Seekers' by Rosamunde Pilcher. It’s a book I’ve revisited many times. I was delighted to find this card, that in my imagination at least, represents the painting around which the book is written.

Reflections

I know that this card has seen better days – it is 105 years old! The reflections on the water are fascinating, especially as they are in sepia. Segré and the old bridge today.

Eléphant de Mer

Imagine having to feed this sea loin fish by fish? He (or she) was resident at the zoo at Bois de Vincennes, Paris around 1948. I can't help wondering what would happen if he/she overbalanced!

Bedtime!

I hope they all find somewhere to sleep. This card was sent in 1905.

Gone Fishing

Another baby card. Has she just fished for these babies? I’m afraid I have a dark sense of humour. Perhaps she is going to use them as bait!

The château on the lake

Here is another dream château, his one is at Montaudin and is by a lake. The postcard is over a hundred years old.

Someone came here looking for châteaus. I’m afraid you won’t find any of those anywhere, try châteaux.