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Postcards of the British royal family

 Collection
Call Number: MSS 51

Scope and Contents

The collection comprises approximately 1000 postcards depicting members of the British royal family. The postcards are arranged in a general chronological order (i.e., by reign) in four albums. They begin circa 1897 with cards relating to Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, a number of satirical cards dealing with her and the Boer War circa 1900, and memorial cards from 1901. One of the collection's highlights is a number of satirical Edward VII cards, many of French origin. For each of the reigns there are the expected coronation and funeral cards (including a series on Edward VII's obsequies), but also less common ones such as Edward VII's sojourns in Biarritz and Marienbad.

There are a large number of postcards concerning George V and Mary, the weddings of all their children in turn, World War I patriotic cards, Silver Jubilee, etc. Also present is a selection of unusual Prince of Wales/Edward VIII postcards, including pre-abdication rarities of Edward and Mrs. Simpson, and an autographed postcard of the vicar who performed their marriage ceremony. George VI postcards include treatment of the coronation, Canadian, US, and French state visits before the war, wartime patriotic cards, and his funeral. Postcards for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II include depictions of Charles and Diana and conclude with a portrait of the family after the christening of Prince George (2013).

Additionally, there are approximately 100 non-royal patriotic cards dealing mainly with Winston Churchill, but also Neville Chamberlain, and the London Blitz, including a series of cards called "London Under Fire" showing bombed-out ruins.

Dates

  • ca. 1897-ca. 2013

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is unprocessed and may not be available for immediate access.

Conditions Governing Use

The collection is the physical property of the Yale Center for British Art. Literary rights, including copyright, belong to the authors or their legal heirs and assigns. For further information, consult the Curator of Rare Books and Manuscripts.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Yale Center for British Art, Gift of Rosemarie Haag Bletter and Martin Filler

Extent

1 Linear Feet (approximately 1000 postcards)

Language of Materials

English

Catalog Record

A record for this collection is available in Orbis, the Yale University Library catalog

Persistent URL

https://hdl.handle.net/10079/fa/ycba.mss.0051

Abstract

The collection comprises approximately 1000 postcards depicting members of the British royal family.

Title
Guide to Postcards of the British royal family
Status
In Progress
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English.

Part of the Yale Center for British Art, Rare Books and Manuscripts Repository

Contact:
Department of Rare Books and Manuscripts
1080 Chapel Street
P. O. Box 208280
New Haven CT 06520-8280 US
203-432-2814

Location

1080 Chapel Street
New Haven , CT 06510

Opening Hours