Embroidered Postcards of the Great War

Story:Albert Jackson

The members of Burngreave Community Cemetery Chapel have used the theme of Embroidered Postcards to recognise the Centenary of the Great War, 1914 -1918, in an exhibition at the Cemetery.

Many citizens heeded the call to arms and the Cemetery itself has many graves and memorials to the brave men of the area who volunteered to serve their country and who perished in the task. Many others returned to a world that had changed beyond recognition.

“Sweetheart” postcards connected the soldier with his loved ones while away from home in an unknown place and they are a perfect way to represent the social condition of the times.

The exhibition contains many examples of the artwork, and includes displays about the conditions attached to their origin. It reflects the emotion, sentiment, passion and optimism felt by both the sender and the recipient.

The exhibition is accompanied by a booklet, which documents the fascinating developments in manufacturing and design of the postcards in Europe, with thanks to Dr Collins for his permission to reproduce facts, photographs and data from his research and his book, ‘An Illustrated History of the Embroidered Silk Postcard’.

As an ongoing display, the group would welcome any feedback or information regarding its content, including photographs, letters and reminiscences. They will be treated with the greatest respect.

See ‘Embroidered Postcards of WWI’ for more details of the exhibition.

There will also be a guided walk of the Cemetery on 10th August. See ‘Cemetery Guided Walk’ to find out more.