I was looking into the origins of the humble postcard… In 1869, a doctor in Vienna had the idea of producing printed postcards and the world's first official postcard came about. It was a great success and around 2 1/4 million postcards were sold in the first three months.
Britain's first Official Post Card with a printed stamp. (1870)
In Britain, Post Office rules restricted the production of pictorial cards but in 1894 that changed and picture postcards could be sent at the cheapest postal rate. Within the month, postcards featuring pictures of local views, famous landmarks, photographs, animals and drawings were being sent in the post.
In the 1930′s 'saucy' postcards became widespread and at their peak the sale of these postcards reached 16 million a year! Often tacky in nature they made use of innuendo, in the same vein as the "Carry On" films. (Oooo Matron!) In the early 50′s, the government was concerned by the apparent deterioration of morals in Britain and decided on a crackdown on these postcards with local censorship committees set up, leading to fines for breaking the Obscene Publications Act! The demise of the saucy postcard occurred during the 1970′s and 1980′s, but postcards continue to be a significant economic and cultural aspect of British seaside tourism.
I love some of the graphics that appear on postcards old and new and still these humble little cards are an great marketing tool! My inspiration comes from many sources - childhood memories of "Summer Specials" and "Saucy Ideas" have sometimes fed back into my designs! I hope you enjoy your well earned holidays… Drop me a postcard!
What is your and "Saucy Idea" for the summer?
Are you offering a "Summer Special"?
