Indulge your passions: collect postcards

Deltiology – the study and collection of postcards – began at the end of the 19^th century as mass-produced postcards hit the market. It was particularly possible in the early 20^th century with the plethora of available exampls and has continued since then.

It’s easy to get started in the field, especially since many auctioneers will offer job lots with a huge selection of postcards at affordable prices. Simply pick your topic and get started.

However, it’s worth knowing that some of the postcards out there are more tasteful than others, in line with changing times. Some, for example, showcase medical abnormalities while others showcase erotic scenes populated with naked women. If buying a job lot of postcards, try to get an idea of what’s included in advance – or just prepare yourself – if you think you will be upset by some of the off-colour content out there.

Titanic

Any topic that fascinates people and has a busy collecting scene in its own right is likely to have a healthy supply of postcards attached to it too. Take the ill-fated ship Titanic for example. These can be highly sought after and run into the thousands of pounds – such as at Henry Aldridge & Son’s sale of Titanic and White Star memorabilia on June 20. This real photo postcard has an estimate of £200-300, but there are others out there that can go for less, too.

Robert Burns

This large collection of Robert Burns related postcards is offered with an estimate of £250-350 at Lyon & Turnbull on June 17.

The beloved Scottish poet Robert Burns also has an enthusiastic following. Edinburgh auction house Lyon & Turnbull offers a collection of Burns-related postcards at its Rare Books & Manuscripts sale tomorrow. Comprising five albums and around 1000 postcards dating as far back as 1900, subjects include the writer, monuments devoted to him and the county of Ayrshire. From the library of an author specialising on Robbie Burns, the collection has an estimate of £250-350.

Christmas

This pair of Christmas postcards is offered with an estimate of £90-100 at Lockdales sale of June 17-18.

Got a place in your heart for kitschy Christmas collectables? This pair of Santa-themed postcards will slip right into your collection. They are offered at Lockdales two-day auction of toys, books and ephemera taking place June 17-18 and have an estimate of £90-100.

First World War

This collection of eight wartime postcards are offered at William George on June 28.

Eight First World War postcards are included in this collection offered with no estimate at William George on June 28. Created by the Bamforth postcard company, they are mainly populated by wistful women propped on sofas reflecting on their absent soldier-loves and wishing for their return.

20th century classics

This collection of early 20th century cards goes under the hammer at Paul Beighton on June 22 with an estimate of £100-180.

A classic collection of early 20^th century postcards goes under the hammer at Paul Beighton on June 22. The 18 cards included mostly feature aviation scenes and battleships, and are offered together for £100-180.

A contemporary choice 

This wooden postcard by Banksy, produced by the British Museum, has an estimate of £100-150 at Tate Ward on June 24.

Want to add a contemporary touch to a burgeoning postcard collection? This wooden postcard of Peckham Rock was designed by Banksy and produced by the British Museum in 2018. It is one of several postcard works included in Tate Ward’s Modern and Contemporary Art auction on June 24, where it has an estimate of £100-150.