When one considers the postcard craze which swept Britain in the late Nineteenth and Earlier Twentieth Century, the first name that comes to mind is that of Sir Raphael Tuck. Well, at least for me, that’s the case, but I admit that I think about antique postcards more than most.
Sir Raphael Tuck, founder of the thriving Raphael Tuck & Sons printing concern was, in many ways, the father of commercial art. This clever fellow, aided by his wife and seven children, according to the “London Times, “opened up a new field of labor for artists, lithographers, engravers, printers, ink and paste board makers, and several other trade classes” when he opened his business making postcards. The cards focused on popular subjects, the Monarchy, theatre and other contemporary passions with beautiful, engaging color images. Tuck’s sons would compete to see who could commercially market the most cards. Each day, a tally of sales was taken and, the next morning, the winner would receive the largest boiled egg at breakfast. Sounds like good incentive to me! I know Bertie would sell quite a few postcards if that was the prize.
I have a good many Tuck’s postcards. The majority of mine are related to King George V and Queen Mary, and especially their 1911 coronation. Let’s take a look at one.
This one features a portrait oval of His Majesty between the Union Jack and the Royal Standard. Beneath him, in a “parchment” frame are two verses from “God Save the King.”
God save our gracious King,
Long live our noble King,
God save the King.
Send him victorious,
Happy and Glorious,
Long to reign over us.
God save the King.
Thy choicest gifts in store,
On him be pleased to pour;
Long may he reign.
May he defend our laws,
And ever give us cause
To sing with heart and voice
God save the King.
The reverse reads:
The “CORONATION” Series,
Raphael Tuck & Sons’ “OILETTE” Postcard 9869
ART PUBLISHERS TO THEIR MAJESTIES THE KING AND QUEEN
Printed in England.
By Appointment. (beneath the Royal Arms)
TUCK’S POSTCARD
CARTE POSTALE POSTKARTE
His Most Excellent Majesty George V,
by the Grace of God, King of the United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Ireland, and of the British Dominions
beyond the Seas, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India, etc.
Born June 3rd, 1865. Married July 6th, 1898
Succeeded to the Throne May 6th, 1910
Crowned June 22nd, 1911
No comments:
Post a Comment