Historical information

Embroidered silk postcards gained popularity during and after World War I, particularly in France. These cards were often hand-embroidered on strips of silk mesh, and then mounted on postcards. A cottage industry arose around 1915 to meet the demand, with women working in their homes to produce the embroidery. Many postcards were sent by British troops serving in France and Belgium.

Physical description

12 colourful postcards from WW1 sent to Flo from France and Belgium. 10 of them are embroidered woven or printed silk postcards. The themes covered include: Australian themes, general greetings, Darling or Mother, Sister, birthday greetings, Christmas and New Year, Think of me, flags, France and Belgium. They are mounted on white embossed card with handwritten messages on the back. Two are Christmas cards with plastic glued pictures glued onto the front and handwritten messages inside. Both are tied with coloured cotton thread on the left front folds.

Inscriptions & markings

'So far and yet so near' is printed on one of the folded cards. 'To wish You a Happy Christmas' is printed inside the other folded card. As stated above the embroidered postcards have various messages on the front.