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Friday, February 14, 2014

Postcard Portraits

You've probably come across Postcard Portraits at some time or another, maybe you have some historical family images that date back over 100 years. I've wanted to find out a little bit more about them and when i found this one recently it was the perfect excuse. 


In the early 20th century it was quiet common to get a portrait of oneself produced into a postcard to send to loved ones. There were so many that were never sent as you will find postcards with nothing written on the back (like this example). 

This photo was by Charles F Tinkler who was a photographer in Stanhope around 1902. There is no mention of him beyond 1910 in directories so i reckon this portrait was taken between 1900-1910 as this was the most popular period for these Portrait Postcards. 


So what drew me to this particular portrait? I loved this woman's expression, she looks like she could have been a little stern with a soft side, here she is looking off as if she is thinking about someone or something. And look at the beautiful lace detail on her dress, stunning! 

I bet when she was getting her portrait done she never thought that over 100 years later some other woman would be wondering who she is and why she had her portrait done. 

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