Joining Tom Jackson to discuss the postcards from their pasts are two postcard collectors, dealers, enthusiasts and collectors, MARK ROUTH and MARK WINGHAM, respectively longtime columnist for, and editor and proprietor of, Picture Postcard Monthly. We hold in our hands two of among the first postcards ever sent, we discuss cricket, stamp books, propaganda, chance encounters in family history, the disastrous side of postcard collecting, and when is a modern not a modern. Wish you were here?

St Ives multiview, 1965. “The scenery is beautiful, but some of it is spoiled by the weirdoes and beatniks who loaf about in the town, I expect you found that in Margate.”
Tobermory, Isle of Mull, 1975. “The air here is much stronger.”
Mark Routh’s card showing the temporary break in the mile-long Southend Pier, after a boat drove into it in November 1908.
Mark Wingham’s card showing the Red Lion pub, in Wingham in Kent. Mark visited in the hope of some recognition of his namesake village, but ended up with a souvenir box of matches.
As a lifelong Pompey fan, Mark Wingham instantly recognised this postcard showing the club mascot, and celebrating their 1939 FA cup win.
Wirral Point Nursing Home, 1967. “The visitors were all very pleasant. I entertained them with the violin solos.”
Mark Routh’s card: an example of the first postcard ever produced, in Austria in 1869.
Also from Mark Routh’s collection: an example of the first British postcard produced – in 1870. This one was posted on the very first day of issue, October 1, 1870.
Mark Wingham’s card of Hambledon in Hampshire. The chance discovery of this card sent Mark on a strange journey into his family history.
A hand-made Christmas postcard, rendered in silk by collector and enthusiast David Rye. This one was sent to Mark Wingham.
A typical Christmas postcard.
A postcard from the Royal Mail museum shop. Mark Routh collects postal history postcards.
A 1958 singing postcard – Christmas carols and a rather cold-looking turkey.