Item HT 30622 Postcard - Thomas to Jessie, Embroidered, World War I, 17 Jul 1916

Summary

Embroidered postcard with muslin flap with smaller rectangular card inside. The postcard bears the embroidered message 'To My Dear Friend' and is from 'Thomas' to 'Jessie'. From the nature of the message it is unclear whether Thomas and Jessie are siblings, sweethearts or (as the postcard would imply) 'dear friends'.

A smaller card that was enclosed in the front pocket bears the inscription: 'To Mrs A Fox / From C Glendenning / With all good wishes.' It is unclear how these names relate to the Thomas and Jessie on the main postcard.

The exact identity of all persons associated with these messages remains unclear, although a Private Clarence Glendenning served with the A.I.F. as part of the 15th Battalion, 8th Reinforcement. 'A. Fox' may refer to Private Andrew Fox, who served with the A.I.F. as part of the 13th Battalion, 21st Reinforcement. A postcard acquired in the same auction lot written to 'Jess' is signed by 'Andy' (HT 30629), suggesting a link between the two postcards. Also in the same lot is a postcard from 'Tom' to his cousin 'Molly' (HT 30630), possibly another reference to the Thomas mentioned here.

According to the Australian War Memorial, the popularity of embroidered postcards (first made for the Paris Exposition in 1900) peaked during World War I. Many were 'embroidered by French women in their homes and then sent to the factories for cutting and mounting on postcards'. Common themes included family, remembrance, liberty and unity.

Description of Content

Two large pink flowers and two smaller buds on a green stem on upper piece of muslin. Lower piece reveals a boat on water, with trees and mountains in the background, and smaller scrubs on the banks. The rectangular card has an image of two birds on a branch with a partial view of a building in the background in the top left, and a blue printed statement on a diagonal from bottom left to top right.

Physical Description

A cardboard postcard with two pieces of embroidered muslin with blue lining attached to the top and bottom of corrugated cardboard border. Colourful images sewn onto muslin. Top piece lifts up to reveal a rectangular card tucked into lower piece of muslin. The rectangular card has a printed image and statement on the front, and a faint hand-written message on the back.

Significance

Embroidered postcards were very popular during World War I, with common themes including family, remembrance, liberty and unity. Their popularity began to wane after the war and they are not found after c.1923, making embroidered postcards a souvenir unique to World War I.

This particular example is significant as it is being sent to a 'Dear Friend' of a soldier, rather than his sweetheart or a family member.