Humorous Postcards All postcards courtesy Colin Lindzey August 2025
If you hanker for the comedy programmes of yesteryear on radio and television rather than the so-called humour of today, then you will realise that funny changes over time. It doesn't seem to be a linear development, but often the humour of shocking newness in images, words and juxtapositions. So it was with the postcards that Colin Lindzey sent us based on the Chaffey-Tye family communications.
Something Different by Post
Like humorous birthday cards today, postcards which were unusual had the most impact, such as these Victorian cards (above and below) which tease the strangeness of places far distant from Box. The desire for novelty increased significantly in the Edwardian period, which encouraged more sexual undertones.
Something Different by Post
Like humorous birthday cards today, postcards which were unusual had the most impact, such as these Victorian cards (above and below) which tease the strangeness of places far distant from Box. The desire for novelty increased significantly in the Edwardian period, which encouraged more sexual undertones.
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Female Humour
Men could assemble in pubs and clubs in the Victorian period but there was a great social taboo against women frequenting these institutions. For them, domestic gatherings were the usual meeting places to converse and exchange confidences. When meet-ups were not possible, it was postcards that were used to continue the conversation.
Young women in domestic service often recorded their feelings about the mistress of the house to friends in similar situations. But great care had to be taken in case any unflattering references led to instant dismissal. The photo below left was sent "From a friend to a friend" and directed to be picked up at the post office, rather than the person's house. The one below right is a warning against unsuitable liasons with a cad (signified by his upward sloping moustache), It was a far distant time to the more obvious cards of Donald McGill and Fred Spurgin.
Men could assemble in pubs and clubs in the Victorian period but there was a great social taboo against women frequenting these institutions. For them, domestic gatherings were the usual meeting places to converse and exchange confidences. When meet-ups were not possible, it was postcards that were used to continue the conversation.
Young women in domestic service often recorded their feelings about the mistress of the house to friends in similar situations. But great care had to be taken in case any unflattering references led to instant dismissal. The photo below left was sent "From a friend to a friend" and directed to be picked up at the post office, rather than the person's house. The one below right is a warning against unsuitable liasons with a cad (signified by his upward sloping moustache), It was a far distant time to the more obvious cards of Donald McGill and Fred Spurgin.
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World War One Humour
The postcards below depict gallows humour in wartime, intended to show resilience despite adversity. When censorship dominanted what could be written, the message often came via the images, reflecting both the entry of the United States into the fray, and how domestic life continued despite wartime shortages. Humour replaced pessimistic wartime reports of injuries, fatalities and illness so that recipients should not be too alarmed.
These postcards mirrored songs of the day reflecting the overcoming of adversity - Pack up your Troubles, I'll be With You in Apple Blossom Time, Keep the Home Fires Burning, and Oh What a Lovely War.
The postcards below depict gallows humour in wartime, intended to show resilience despite adversity. When censorship dominanted what could be written, the message often came via the images, reflecting both the entry of the United States into the fray, and how domestic life continued despite wartime shortages. Humour replaced pessimistic wartime reports of injuries, fatalities and illness so that recipients should not be too alarmed.
These postcards mirrored songs of the day reflecting the overcoming of adversity - Pack up your Troubles, I'll be With You in Apple Blossom Time, Keep the Home Fires Burning, and Oh What a Lovely War.
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Saucy Innuendos
Double entendres were a key part of Victorian humour as people hoped that their elderly aunt would not see the sexy side. They were not new, the Saxons, Shakespeare and a host of Georgian illustrators had used the technique. Coming after a period of Victorian prudity, the level of naughtiness was rather restricted.
Double entendres were a key part of Victorian humour as people hoped that their elderly aunt would not see the sexy side. They were not new, the Saxons, Shakespeare and a host of Georgian illustrators had used the technique. Coming after a period of Victorian prudity, the level of naughtiness was rather restricted.
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