Exhibit: Sentiment, Separation & Grief Postcards
Domesticity; Fathers and Children; Fidelity; Home and Family; Patriot Series; Pressure to Enlist; Songs/Hymns; Tender Thoughts; Twilight Series; Victorian and Edwardian Reserve; and War Duration
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Tender Thoughts: Love's Sweet Sake (2)
“My heart is too full for writing darling & this card is only a small part of the real feeling. Yours only Poll – All my love. XX”
Image 5762
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Twilight Series: Accept These Flowers (1)
Although the dangers that a departing soldier might encounter were hinted at, the realities of war were largely glossed over. In August 1914 many Europeans on both sides of the conflict were convinced that the war would be over by Christmas. As is seen on these cards, known as the “Twilight Series” music from popular songs or hymns was often used to express the sender’s sentiments. This was a conventional practice, and one that in a famous instance, had helped to create an urban myth via a postcard.
Intimate portrait of a soldier and a woman
Image 0101
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Twilight Series: Ever in Our Thoughts (1)
Portrait of a women holding a picture of a soldier
Image 5751
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Victorian and Edwardian Reserve: A Safe Return (1)
At the onset of the First World War British morals remained largely rooted in the notions of decorum that had been associated with the Victorian and Edwardian periods. As can be seen, this was reflected in this series of cards, in which relations between men and women were treated in a formal and surprisingly detached fashion.
Intimate portrait of a soldier and a woman
Image 5699
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Victorian and Edwardian Reserve: Fond Memories (1)
Intimate portrait of a soldier and a woman
Image 5695
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Victorian and Edwardian Reserve: Sunshine of Your Smile (1)
Intimate portrait of a soldier and a woman
Image 5693
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Victorian and Edwardian Reserve: To an Absent Friend (1)
Intimate portrait of a soldier and a woman
Image 5697
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War Duration: The Years Go Rolling By (1)
These two cards speak to the awareness that the war would not end quickly, as had originally been predicted.
Portrait of a woman looking at pictures of a soldier
Image 5787
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War Duration: Though the Years... (1)
Portrait of a women looking at pictures of a soldier
Image 5793
