Approaching The Present

Interest in postcards waned after the First World War. A small group of dedicated collectors did continue the hobby, but it was not until the 1960s that collecting postcards again became fashionable. Valentine's continued to be one of the major publishers of postcards and there are several examples of their black and white pictures of the county dating from the 1950s and 60s. The firm certainly stood the test of time and remained dedicated to providing postcards with local subjects whether it was in 1909 or the 1960s.

Good wishes from Dun Laoghaire.

Three views of Dun Laoghaire contained within a shamrock in black and white. The postcard dates from the 1960s and features the Pavilion and promenade, the Mail boat and Dun Laoghaire bay. Valentine and Sons produced several black and white images during this period and cornered the postcard market for many years.

Donated by Seamus Kearns (postcard collector).

Good wishes from Dun Laoghaire.
Donated by Seamus Kearns (postcard collector).

Good wishes from Dun Laoghaire.

Three views of Dun Laoghaire contained within a shamrock in black and white. The postcard dates from the 1960s and features the Pavilion and promenade, the Mail boat and Dun Laoghaire bay. Valentine and Sons produced several black and white images during this period and cornered the postcard market for many years.

Donated by Seamus Kearns (postcard collector).

Enlarge image

The standard size of a postcard was 5 ½ inches x 3 ½ inches a regulation in effect since 1899. A bigger size became popular in Europe in the 1960s and 1970s and this eventually spread to Ireland.

John Hinde was one of the publishers who embraced this new size. His postcards reached a huge audience and portrayed a seemingly idyllic Ireland.

Any blemishes were removed and the colour intensity was increased to enhance the picture postcard. Hinde began this lucrative business in 1957 when he issued 6 postcards. He put together a team of German photographers and held onto the publishing company until 1972. He became one of the most successful publishers of postcards in the world.

The images selected from the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown collection chart the history of an area that combines many different locations, peoples and events. The county is made up of a fascinating blend of beautiful landscapes, notable historical buildings, interesting people and a varied history. The postcard collection helps to illustrate many of these elements.

Postcards are not merely a popular hobby. They provide valuable insights into a world that is constantly changing. Over the course of their history, postcards have portrayed most subjects imaginable. Buildings, people, events and views have all featured on postcards at one time or another. These images when combined with stamps, postmarks, messages and addresses on postcards provide valuable clues about the history (social, political and economic) of a particular era. Postcard collecting has once again become extremely popular and is one of the third most popular hobbies in the world today.