When I was two years old, my parents sent me this sweet post card from a trip to Europe and I have kept it in a scrapbook for years. When I started writing a post about vintage post cards, my first thought was to pull this out and include it in my post:
My post card is from Languedoc, France, but it was made in Spain (the back of the card says “Arte Hispanico”). It shows the traditional dress of the region, the coat of arms of Languedoc and a drawing of the Basilica of Saint Sernin in Toulouse, France.
After reading a little more about vintage post cards, I discovered that my card was of a design very popular in the 50’s and 60’s, mostly in Spain. Many of these types of post cards were painted by an artist named Elsi Gumier and the clothing was hand stitched from silk. Each card has a flag or coat of arms in one corner and a drawing representing something from the region in another part of the card. I found these examples of other post cards by the same artist:
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They really aren’t worth much – most of these sell on eBay for between $5 and $10, but I think it is interesting to have a vintage piece of history sent to me by my parents when I was a child. My father also used to bring me a doll from each country he visited but sadly the collection was misplaced in one of our many moves.
What are your favorite things to collect when you travel?
I am a retired librarian and a bibliophile so I collect bookmarks. I especially like the ones from small independent bookstores but I do buy the souvenir type as well.
Oh Sandy, these are stunning and I have never seen the likes of these! When I traveled through France, what I loved collecting and still have displayed in a frame are the BLASONS, the embroidered patches that you can get that represent all the places you go; they are usually that of a shield or castle, or something denoting the region. OR….if I have the money, COPPER POTS or some other stone or metal work of art!
Have a super day! Anita
How sweet the past seems to be, slow pace and artful postcards(:
Lovely… Ciao z
I think your post cards are STUNNING!!! I love them.The way they did them in silk threads.Gorgeous.You have a wonderful hobby.Thank you for sharing them with us.
XXOO Marie Antoinette
Now this is something I would collect. A great conversation piece, for sure.
Hi Sandy!
I was so excited to see your postcards! I have a few that my Aunt & Uncle collected from their many trips to Mexico and the embroidery is so lovely. They were from their travels in the 50s while they belonged to Wally Byrams Airstream Caravan. They are wonderful treasures to me!
Hugs, Edie & Marie
I was also excited to see them.I think they are just stunning. The color and silk thread are gorgeous.
XXOO Marie Antoinette
These are so pretty Sandy! I love all things vintage. It seems like we don't have quality cards like this anymore. Our society makes things that are often meant to use once and toss. My mom recently brought some cards to me that were given to her when I was born (53 years ago). They are so sweet and I love the detail of the babies and the mommies. The cards are very simple. I like that:)
Oh I love these!! So beautiful! I will send you a modern one of these if you send me your address? The modern ones are not as beautiful but fun nonetheless. It was so sweet of your parents to send you such beautiful notes and bring you back dolls….And how special that you kept them after all these years!
Your card so pretty. When I was seven I brought back similar ones from Spain for my grandmas.
So pretty and unique! Hang onto them you never know…….I always buy something native to the area, and always buy a hat (silly sounding I know) that has the place or hotel on it..its a little momento. Haven't traveled as much as we used to since we moved but plan on changing that soon!