Postcards (vol.1)
We found these cards in a secondhand book shop recently. After seeing dozens of almost identical pictures of hotels and beaches, we decided the postcard writers themselves were more interesting than where they had been. Each card is a brief snapshot of someone's life, and each writer has his or her own distinctive style. The little details and sheer ordinariness is what brings these cards alive.
Note: Firstly, the phrase 'Wish you were here' does not appear on any of these cards. And secondly, we have deliberately obscured all postal addresses as a mark of courtesy.
"...Can't do a lot on pensions these days but will scrape by somehow..."
Cooma Cottage, original home of Hamilton Hume.
"...very big about 10½ lbs..."
Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital. Two identical cards from the same person but to different addresses.
"Periods of extreme boredom and sleep punctuated by plastic food!"
Let this be a lesson to you. Never lend anyone your best pen.
Yes, those luxury hotels can be such a drag, can't they?
"...dogs were good last night - slept in the toilet/shower room!"
Knysna is one of the Southern Cape coast's best known holiday destinations.
"...hope...that your sinus trouble is clearing..."
"Richard Branson's parents...were very nice..."
"...next year I will be starting to produce honey..."
"goodbye carefree...life, boozy Bohemian evenings, pleasure, joy and holidays!"
"...busy varnishing the shutters..."
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you: Alfred. A man of few words and a master of understatement. A keen eye for design too, I shouldn't wonder; just look at the centered text and use of whitespace. Exquisite!