Historical information

The postcard shows how the Mission to Seafarers, then known as the Seamens Institute, looked early in its operation - probably circa 1920. It also documents the types of activities were offered to visitors, and how the visitors used the facilities.

Significance

The postcard records the fittings and furnishings of the Mission to Seafarers, then known as the Seamens' Institute: tables, chairs but also the paintings which were often donated. The largest one on the main wall above the stage is "Start Point Light, Devonshire" (see item 0230), painted and donated by Miss Madeline R. Lewellin (1854-1944) in 1918.

Physical description

A sepia-toned postcard, of the main hall/club room of the "Seamens Institute" Mission to Seafarers. The image shows the arrangement of tables, pool table and bar in the club room, as well as the decorations and fitting of the room.

Inscriptions & markings

On front: INTERIOR OF SEAMENS INSTITUTE, FLINDERS STREET MELBOURNE VALENTINES SERIES M. 4968 printed in black.
On reverse: VALENTINES / REAL PHOTO SERIES logo in the middle of the top of the postcard. Along the left-hand edge: PUBLISHED BY THE VALENTINE PUBLISHING CO. PTY. LTD
/ QUEEN ST., MELB. printed in black.