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The Artful History of Vintage Travel Postcards

by Zoë Peate

Who doesn’t love to find a postcard from somewhere far away, waiting for them inside their mailbox? It’s such a rare occasion in this digital era, which only makes it an even more delightful surprise. While the Golden Age of postcards is long past, like the travel posters of yesteryear, vintage postcards are experiencing a resurgence in popularity. They’ve long been collectors’ items, but now a new generation is discovering the beauty of vintage travel postcard design.

Early History

Postcards began as a cheap way for people to keep in touch during the early 19th century. The first picture postcard was sent by English writer Theodore Hook, who playfully sent it to himself in 1840. Though cards remained absent of pictures, apart from decorative borders, for some time after.

The first known postcard to be printed as a souvenir item was posted in Vienna, May 1871. This was followed by cards featuring the newly built Eiffel Tower in 1889 and 1890. In the U.S. the first souvenir cards were sold at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

In 1894, the Royal Mail gave permission for British publishers to manufacture and distribute picture postcards. At the time, steam locomotives were providing fast and affordable travel within the UK. The seaside was a popular destination and became the subject of many souvenir postcard designs.

Golden Age 1901-1907

The Golden Age of postcards was ushered in at the turn of the 20th century when the U.S. government allowed the words “Post Card” to be printed on privately printed cards. In 1902 the UK postal service permitted the “divided back” design of modern postcards so that the message and address could be put on one side, allowing for a picture on the other. France followed suit in 1904, Germany in 1905, and the U.S. in 1907.

Divided Back Era 1907-1915

The divided back (or “split back”) design took off in most countries between 1907-1915. Up to this point Germany produced most of the postcards for the U.S. market because of their superior printing technology. As import tariffs soared and World War I began in 1914, the availability and use of cards in the U.S. began to decline.

The White Border Era 1916-1930

So named for the white border around the picture area, postcards of this era saw American printing technology try to catch up with German counterparts. Cards printed with borders were more forgiving in the cutting process and required less-skilled workers to produce.

During the 1920s, the Model T Ford and an improved road network in the US saw growth in domestic tourism. American travelers sent postcards of national landmarks, landscapes, tourist and roadside attractions. 1920s postcards were usually based on black and white photographs that had been hand-colored.

Linen Card Era 1930-1945

“Linen postcards” were popular, though they weren’t really made of linen. A new printing process made use of less costly card stock with a higher fabric to wood pulp content ratio, to which a linen texture was applied.

Cheap production and brighter colors made linen cards popular. Most designs were photograph-based images that were often so retouched, they appeared to be drawn. The linen card printing technique was developed by Chicago-based postcard manufacturers Curt Teich and Co. Company founder, Curt Teich, was a German native who brought cutting-edge printing techniques from his homeland to America, though was highly secretive about his process.

Curt Teich and Co. was the same company that introduced the much loved “large letter” postcard design in color, during the Linen Card Era. Also known as “big letter postcards”, the designs featured a place name in bold type with small photos appearing within the letters.

This design had failed to gain popularity earlier in the century due to postal restrictions combined with black and white imagery. However, with the vibrance of color printing and the introduction of divided back cards for messaging and addressing cards, the design exploded.

Modern Chrome Era 1939 Onwards

The development of Photochromes or Modern Chromes brought about the current age of travel postcards. As you would be familiar, these mailers have smooth, glossy surfaces with sharp edges and vibrant, accurate colors. Vintage travel postcards are not only a snapshot of a destination in time—a nostalgic reminder of how a place has changed. They reveal stories about the development of photographic and printing technology, as well as the evolution of the postal service domestically and abroad. These seemingly simple pieces of card have traversed land and ocean, bringing some of the world’s most beautiful and wondrous places right to our doorsteps.

Postcards (any postcards, not just travel) are one of the most collected items in the world, right up there with coins and stamps – so aspiring deltiologists, you are in good company. Keep an eye out for unused postcards as they tend to be more valuable. You may also wish to take any postcards from older relatives and they can document the journeys they have taken. There are plenty of online resources to get you started collecting and collectors’ communities are always ready to adopt you into their ranks.

This article originally appeared on Duende by Madam ZoZo – an inspirational lifestyle blog for cultured, curious, and creative travelers, seeking unique and inspiring experiences.

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Vintage Postcards: Collecting a Window to the Past

✍🏻 Written by Dr. Laura Whitman from MemoryCherish

Starting a collection of vintage postcards can be a rewarding hobby that connects you with collectors and enthusiasts from around the world. With the surge of interest in collecting and trading vintage postcards, various platforms and resources have emerged to cater to this niche. Whether you’re interested in the diverse types of vintage postcards, their rich history, or the logistics of building and maintaining a collection, there’s a wealth of information and community support available.

Key Takeaways

• Vintage postcards act as historical artifacts reflecting art, culture, and communication.
• Building a collection can be a fulfilling hobby, offering personal and historical connections.
• Numerous resources and platforms are available to support and guide postcard collectors.

The Art of Vintage Postcards

When you grasp a vintage postcard, you’re not just holding a piece of sturdy paper with a picturesque scene. You are holding a tangible piece of history, an artifact that blends art , culture , and history into a single frame. Throughout the years, these postcards have served as more than just a means for correspondence; they have been miniature canvases for artists and a reflection of the cultural zeitgeist.

Styles and Themes

• Scenic Landmarks: Often, vintage postcards featured hand-painted or printed images of landmarks, allowing you to glimpse structures and places that might have since changed or vanished.
• Portraits: A glimpse into the fashion trends and societal norms of the era, these postcards bring historical figures and everyday people from the past to life.

Cultural Representation

Vintage postcards can also be an exploration of the past’s worldview, with images ranging from idyllic rural scenes to thriving urban vistas . By examining the art, messages, and imagery, you can decode the cultural attitudes and preferences of those times.

Historical Significance

Not only are vintage postcards a window to the past, but they also document advancements in printing technology and the evolution of postal services. The intricate designs, from the early undivided backs allowed only for an address, to the later divided backs with space for messages, reflect the progression of communication methods.

If you’re intrigued by the art of vintage postcards from Estate Sale Blog or wish to understand their value as highlighted by Jacquelinestallone.com , you’re not alone. Your interest ties you to the expansive world of deltiology, the study and collection of postcards, a hobby that numerous enthusiasts pursue with passion.

History of Postcards

In your exploration of memorabilia, you’ll find that postcards offer a rich tapestry of social history and artistic expression, charting their progression from simple greetings to sought-after collectibles.

Evolution From Greetings to Collectibles

Postcards began as a convenient method for brief correspondence. On February 27, 1861 , the US Congress enacted a law allowing privately printed cards to be sent through the mail. These early postcards quickly became a popular way for people to send greetings. By the Pioneer Period (1870-1898) , postcards were already being collected and traded. With advances in printing technology, vintage postcards became more ornate and pictorial, leading to the Golden Age of Postcards from 1898 to 1915.

• Pre-Postcard Era (1840-1870): Messages without an envelope, precursor to postcards
• Pioneer Postcard Era (1870-1898): Early forms of picture postcards
• Private Mailing Card Era (1898-1901): Postcards authorized by the US Congress

The transition into collectibles was further solidified as postcards began to showcase everything from exotic locations to artistic renditions, elevating them from mere communication tools to valuable pieces for collectors.

Impact on Culture and Communication

Postcards revolutionized the way people shared experiences and communicated over distances. They provided a glimpse into different cultures, landmarks, and historical events. During the early 20th century , the rise in postcard popularity also mirrored society’s growing mobility and curiosity about the world. As postcards became more diverse, they mirrored the broadening horizons of society at large and influenced cross-cultural exchanges. They served as a testament to the shifts in social customs, politics, and technology, capturing moments in history in a tangible form that you can still hold onto today.

• Divided Back Postcard Era (1907-1915): Space for messages on address side permitted
• White Border Era (1915-1930): Postcards with a distinctive white border around the image
• Linen Postcard Era (1930-1945): Postcards with a high rag content, giving a linen-like finish

As vintage postcards traversed global destinations, they became artifacts of an era, bridging your understanding of the past with the present.

Types of Vintage Postcards

Vintage postcards offer a window into the past, showcasing varied themes from geographical locations to festive celebrations. These collectible items not only reflect the art and communication of their time but also serve as historical records.

Travel and Transportation

Your journey through vintage postcards might start with Travel and Transportation cards, which depict various modes of travel and destinations. You can find scenic landscapes, city views, and landmarks, often featuring the means of travel of the era, from classic automobiles to steam trains. The Postcard Maven provides insights into these pictorial mementos that capture the essence of travel in times gone by.

Holidays and Special Occasions

When exploring Holidays and Special Occasions postcards, you will notice that these cards are particularly charming, with vibrant illustrations for events like Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter. Halloween postcards, however, are among the most sought-after due to their rarity and unique artwork. According to The Spruce Crafts , the early 1900s to the 1920s was a golden age for holiday postcards.

Advertising and Promotional Cards

Finally, Advertising and Promotional Cards highlight the commercial aspect of postcards. Used as a marketing tool by businesses, these cards often feature bold graphics and slogans to promote products or services. They serve as a fascinating study of historical marketing practices and popular culture. Collectors might find this category particularly interesting due to the diverse range of artwork and typography that reveals much about the economic trends of the period.

Collecting Vintage Postcards

Collecting vintage postcards is both an enjoyable hobby and a way to preserve historical artifacts. This guide will walk you through the steps to start your own collection, help you to identify valuable postcards, and teach you how to care for and preserve these small pieces of history.

Starting a Collection

To begin collecting vintage postcards, start by defining your area of interest. Are you intrigued by historical landmarks, nostalgic holiday greetings, or exotic locations? Narrowing your focus can provide a clear direction for your collection. You may choose to start by visiting local antique shops , querying online marketplaces, or connecting with other collectors to acquire old postcards.

Identifying Valuable Postcards

When assessing the value of vintage postcards, look for a few key factors:

• Age : Postcards produced between 1907-1915, the Golden Age of postcards, may be more valuable.
• Condition : The better the condition, the higher the value. Look for crisp edges and minimal damage.
• Rarity : Limited edition postcards or those from a notable event are often more sought after.
• Subject Matter : Cards depicting historical events, famous places, or artwork by renowned illustrators can be more collectible.

To gauge the value of a postcard, conduct research through credible price guides and completed sales on auction sites.

Care and Preservation

Proper care and preservation are essential for maintaining the condition of your vintage postcards:

• Storage : Store your postcards in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and moisture damage.
• Protection : Use acid-free sleeves or albums to prevent discoloration and wear.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your postcard collection remains in the best possible condition, preserving its historical and financial value for years to come.

The Marketplace for Vintage Postcards

With a blend of history and art, vintage postcards offer a unique medium to collectors and enthusiasts alike. The marketplace for these collectibles is vibrant, with various avenues for you to buy and sell, and special events where aficionados gather. Delve into the specifics of navigating this niche market to make the most of your vintage postcard experience.

Buying Vintage Postcards

When you’re looking to expand your collection , identifying reputable sellers is crucial. Top-rated Plus sellers with the highest buyer ratings often ensure a transaction that is both reliable and satisfying. Look for listings that offer clear details on the card’s state, and whether there’s an option for returns or money-back guarantees . Additionally, some sellers may provide free shipping to incentivize your purchase.

• Websites : Platforms like CardCow Vintage Postcards and Mary L. Martin Ltd. Postcards specialize in a wide range of vintage postcards.
• Auctions : Online auction sites are often a treasure trove for buying collectibles. Engaging in the bidding process can sometimes allow you to acquire rarities at competitive prices.

Selling Vintage Postcards

If you’re on the opposite end of the transaction and wish to sell vintage postcards , the value of your offerings typically depends on their age, condition, and rarity. The process is relatively straightforward: contact buyers directly or list your items on a dedicated marketplace with a best offer feature to attract serious collectors.

• Direct Sales : Reach out to businesses like CardCow Vintage Postcards for a hassle-free selling experience.
• Online Listings : Utilize e-commerce platforms like The Magic Postcard Store on eBay which provide ample exposure and a structured selling format.

Understanding Postcard Expos

Postcard expos are specialized events where sellers, buyers, and enthusiasts converge. These gatherings allow you to immerse yourself in the community, directly negotiate with sellers, and find pieces that are often not available online.

• Events : Attend expos hosted by various organizations where you can often discover a plethora of postcards ranging from the quaint to the quintessential.
• Networking : Use these expos as an opportunity to network, share knowledge, and perhaps even strike deals outside the confines of typical business days.

In this marketplace, armed with the right knowledge and resources, you can adeptly navigate buying, selling, and enjoying the art of vintage postcards.

Online Platforms and Resources

When you begin your journey into the world of vintage postcards, familiarize yourself with various online platforms and resources tailored for buying, selling, discussing, and learning about these collectible items.

Online Shops and Auctions

Etsy is a notable marketplace for finding vintage postcards, where buyer ratings can guide you to trustworthy sellers. Look for shops that offer tracking on shipments to monitor your purchase’s journey. While browsing, you might come across a previous price indicator, showing you’ve found a good deal, especially if a coupon is also available to further reduce the cost.

• eBay: A larger auction-based platform where the competition could sometimes inflate prices. Pay attention to buyer ratings here as well.
• Gigworker: Offers a four-step guide to selling old postcards.
• CardCow: A site where you can sell your collection or buy from other collectors.

Forums and Community Boards

Forums and community boards allow you to engage with other enthusiasts. Here you can:

• Discuss : Share stories or get advice on rare finds.
• Learn : Gain insights from experienced collectors.
• Connect : Use the contact us options to touch base with site administrators or knowledgeable members for further guidance.

Educational Resources

Educational resources are crucial in understanding the value and history of postcards.

• Shopping Tips : Learn the ins and outs of vintage postcard shopping, including condition grading and authentication procedures.
• Historical Context : Gain knowledge about the eras from which the postcards originate, adding depth to your collection.

By leveraging these online platforms and resources, you position yourself for a more rewarding experience in the realm of vintage postcard collecting.

Logistics of Postcards

In the realm of postcards, efficient logistics are crucial from their production to your mailbox, encompassing the methods of post and shipping as well as the adoption of modern technologies.

Post and Shipping Practices

When you send a postcard, the physical handling and delivery are dictated by standardized practices. Postcards typically follow a specific size and weight limit, allowing them to be mailed at a lower rate than standard letters. The shipping of a postcard is often subject to the workings of business days , which exclude weekends and holidays, affecting delivery time frames.

• Standard Postcard Size : Often not exceeding 4.25″ x 6″ for the lowest cost.
• Weight : Lightweight paper stock to keep within the required ounce limit.

These criteria ensure that postcards pass smoothly through automated sorting machinery. After drop-off, the postcards are processed at a sorting facility where they are postmarked to denote their shipping date and point of origin. They then travel, often by ships or airplanes for international delivery, and are finally distributed by local postal services to the recipient’s address.

Tracking is not typically available for standard postcard delivery due to their low-cost nature.

Technology in Modern-Day Postcard Shipping

Your postcard’s journey has been notably influenced by technology, aiming to increase efficiency and accuracy in shipping. Now, barcodes and automated sorting systems are the norm, ensuring that your missive reaches its destination swiftly.

• Barcodes : Applied during processing, they contain detailed routing information.
• Automated Systems : Sort postcards at high speeds and direct them to the correct dispatch lines for domestic or international shipping.

You’ll find that in some cases, especially with larger postcard suppliers, digital notifications and tracking codes are provided, allowing you to follow your card’s journey in real-time, although this service often comes with an additional fee.

Advanced logistics solutions have also enabled businesses to ship postcards in bulk efficiently, optimizing their operation and reducing the time from print to postbox. The convergence of these logistical aspects ensures postcards continue to be a reliable and cherished means of communication.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, you’ll find concise, expert answers to common questions about the value, collection, and sales of vintage postcards.

How can I determine the value of my vintage postcards?

The value of vintage postcards depends on factors such as rarity, condition, and historical significance. To get an estimate, compare your postcards against similar items sold in online marketplaces or consult with a professional appraiser.

What are the most valuable vintage postcards to collectors?

Postcards that appeal to collectors often include rare designs, historical events, or are from a prolific artist or era. Those in excellent condition or featuring unique subjects may fetch a higher price.

How do I best preserve and protect my vintage postcard collection?

To protect your collection, store postcards in acid-free sleeves, away from light and humidity. Handling should be minimal, but when necessary, do so with clean hands or cotton gloves to avoid oils transferring onto the postcards.

What makes a vintage postcard more likely to be considered valuable?

Several characteristics such as age, visual appeal, printing techniques, and historical significance contribute to a postcard’s value. Scarcity and demand among collectors also play critical roles.

Where is the best place to buy or sell vintage postcards?

You can buy or sell vintage postcards through dedicated online platforms , at antique shows, flea markets, or through auction houses. Local or online dealers specializing in vintage postcards are also viable options.

Are there any legal considerations regarding the use of vintage postcard images?

Yes, copyright laws can affect the use of postcard images, especially if the postcard is not yet in the public domain. Ensure you have the right to use or reproduce the image before making it available, especially for commercial purposes.

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The first postcard was sent in 1840, and people have been sending and collecting them ever since. Those who collect vintage postcards usually look at things like age, condition, postmark, rarity and subject matter. Collectable postcards cover a wide range of different subjects.

Topographical postcards depict British or worldwide places of interest. Transportation postcards can relate to sea, rail, road or air. Military collectable postcards can relate to specific events, countries or regiments. And comic or humorous collectable postcards appeal to those with a cheeky sense of humour.

Printed collectable postcards

The subject matter of printed collectable postcards can vary hugely depending on where the postcard has come from. Beaches are popular on postcards printed and sent from coastal towns. A city with an impressive train station might have a higher than average number of rail related printed postcards. Well known buildings and landmarks are often the inspiration for printed postcards in the town or city that they're in.

Some will have paintings, drawings or other artistic representations of famous landmarks or buildings instead. The rarity of such pieces can vary.

Embroidered silk collectable postcards

Embroidered silk collectable postcards often combine many vibrant colours. Flowers and botanical prints as well as exotic looking flamenco dancers are both popular subjects for embroidered silk postcards. People, places, world flags and embroidered writing are also collectable.

Real Photographic (RP) collectable postcards

Real Photographic (RP) collectable postcards are popular with people who collect transport themed postcards because they accurately depict trains, cars, lorries and commercial vehicles, planes and ships exactly as they appeared in their time. Some RP postcards show things like beaches, well known buildings and landmarks, and holiday destinations. Obviously the oldest RP postcards are black and white, while only those printed since the invention of colour photography could be printed in colour.

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The Immigrant Story Behind the Classic “Greetings From” Postcards

Long before Instagram, Americans showed off their travels using Curt Teich’s cheery linen postcards.

Anne Peck-Davis and Diane Lapis, Zocalo Public Square

The most prolific producer of the iconic 20th-century American travel postcard was a German-born printer, a man named Curt Teich, who immigrated to America in 1895. In 1931, Teich’s printing company introduced brightly colored, linen-textured postcards that remain familiar today—the sort that trumpeted “Greetings from Oshkosh, Wisconsin!” “Greetings from Rawlins, Wyoming!” or “Greetings from Butte, Montana!”

Like so many industrious strivers who came to the United States at the close of the 19th century, Teich pursued his postcard business as a means of building a life for his family (and getting rich while he was at it, if he lucked out). But Teich’s American Dream also did something more. His linen-style postcards depicted an optimistic view of America, creating a unique record of national tourism and documenting the U.S. landscape from its smallest towns to its grandest natural wonders. The cards—and Teich’s runaway success selling them—also reflect an era when a boom in highway construction and an uptick in auto sales were changing the way Americans worked, played, vacationed, and communicated with one another.

Linen postcards, named for their embossed linen-like texture, were tremendously popular in the United States during the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s. There is no exact count, but deltiologists—people who study postcards—estimate that publishers developed over 150,000 different images and printed millions of copies. Cards typically depicted American scenes, venues, and businesses. They sold for a penny or were given away by local entrepreneurs or at tourist destinations.

Their runaway popularity was fueled by the country’s dawning obsession with the automobile, car travel, and car culture. In 1913, the Ford Model T became the first mass-produced automobile to roll off an assembly line; in the following decades, cars became more affordable and ownership rapidly increased. Federal Highway Administration statistics indicate that Americans registered over 22 million privately-owned automobiles in the United States in 1935. By 1952, that number had jumped to almost 44 million.

For as long as Americans could remember, road travel had been a dirty, dusty nuisance on unmarked and rutted routes. But the Good Roads Movement, founded in 1880 by bicycling enthusiasts, brought attention to the poor quality of American roads. Soon, state-based Good Roads Associations formed. They pushed for legislation to fund road improvements and local officials heard the call. In 1913, Carl Fisher, manufacturer of Prest-O-Lite headlights and developer of Miami Beach, formed the Lincoln Highway Association, which conceptualized and eventually built a road from New York City to San Francisco. The Federal Aid Road Act, enacted in 1916, provided the first federal highway funding and fostered the development of a national highway system. Ten years later, construction began for the famed Route 66, also known as the Main Street of America. Completed in 1937, its 2,448 miles of asphalt carried car travelers from Chicago to Los Angeles, crossing three time zones and eight states.

All these miles and miles of new roads allowed families to craft journeys to destinations such as the Grand Canyon, Arizona; Mount Rushmore, South Dakota; or the tropical shores of Florida. Itineraries were planned and maps carefully marked. Americans—enamored of the newfound freedom offered by personal vehicle ownership and thrilled to discover new and marvelous places—packed their suitcases, loaded their cars, and took off.

Linen postcard publishers didn’t miss a beat, photographing and printing thousands of images along those highways. Picture postcards weren’t new when Teich founded his company in 1898; they had emerged in France, Great Britain, Germany, and Japan in the early 1870s and had quickly become very popular. But the linen-type postcards Teich (and eventually his imitators) produced were distinctly American, rendered in an opulent style, depicting wonders from the corner luncheonette to Niagara Falls. Teich’s offset printing technique lavished cards in saturated colors and used airbrushing and other effects to reduce unwanted details. The visual result was a fantastical—and enticing—view of America. Postcard images of sun-dappled, sinuous roads captured the spirit and adventure of road travel.

Businesses that depended on tourism saw Teich’s cards as a great tool to attract customers, who found the images hard to resist on the postcard rack at a local drug store, Woolworth’s, or service station. Sensing opportunity, Teich employed a cadre of sales agents to obtain and manage regional accounts, who often photographed sites for postcard production. Teich believed that no town was too small for its local attractions to be made more beautiful by his art department’s color processes. Linen postcards advertised motels and motor courts with clean rooms and radios. Roadside eateries’ cards showed off delicacies: fried clams at Howard Johnson’s restaurants on the East Coast; shoo-fly pie at the Dutch Haven in Lancaster, Pennsylvania; all-you-can-eat chicken dinners at Zehnder’s Restaurant in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Cities advertised hotel accommodations on linen postcards, too, hawking stylish supper clubs with music and dancing, and restaurants with fine dining and cocktails.

One popular format for linen postcards was the “Greetings From” style, which had been inspired by the “Gruss Aus” (“Greeting From”) postcards Teich had known as a young man in Germany. The German postcards featured local views with subdued lettering and a muted color palette; Teich’s American incarnation reflected the popular streamlined aesthetic of the time, featuring the name of a state, city, or attraction—emblazoned in large 3D letters—with miniature images of regional scenes depicted within. Travelers to Miami, Florida could purchase a postcard from the Parrot Jungle, a tourist attraction in an unspoiled tropical forest, with bathing beauties in the letter “P” and parrots in the letter “J.” Drivers cruising along Route 66 in Missouri might select a large letter card containing tiny images of Meramec State Park and scenic bluffs along the Gasconade River, examples of the natural diversity they saw along the highway.

People sent the postcards, spending a penny on postage, home to family and friends. It was an easy way to communicate information, to be sure, but with a twist any Instagram fan today would recognize immediately: an offhand, entertaining visual brag that showed just how much fun the sender was having at a nightclub, hotel, national monument, or natural wonder in some faraway state. The linen-style postcard, with its cheerful utopian imagery, captured the spirit of hope and optimism Americans craved during the Great Depression and World War II—and found during the post-war years.

By the mid-1950s, the Eisenhower administration’s supersized interstate highway system had begun bypassing local and scenic roads, and newly constructed shopping malls led to the demise of Main Street shops. Travelers purchasing postcards embraced a new aesthetic, based on color photography, that included sharp outlines of realistic (and increasingly generic) images on a shiny surface. Production of linen postcards decreased—and so did the sense of optimism depicted in the colorful, air-brushed images they had featured.

Curt Teich died in 1974 at the age of 96. Four years later, his company officially closed its doors. His family donated nearly half a million postcards and artifacts to the Lake County Discovery Museum in Libertyville, Illinois, which began transferring the collection to the Newberry Library in Chicago in 2016. Today, researchers pore over those cards—picturing extraordinary natural landscapes and quotidian small-town scenes—for a glimpse of the past in an increasingly mobile America. When Teich arrived in the United States, did he imagine his company would create such a tangible record of American life? Perhaps not, but his penny postcards, with their picturesque utopian images, harken back to the nascent days of automobile travel and the thrill of discovering the sweeping expanse and profound beauty of the American landscape.

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Collection: Travel Posters

Allow yourself to daydream - these classic tourism poster designs from the last century capture the romance of travel and the allure of faraway destinations! Countries from around the world are represented, from North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. 

24 x 36" and 16 x 24" size travel  prints are now available on  canvas .  Tip: if you are looking for a travel poster for a particular country or city, you can search for it. 

Remember, worldwide shipping is free for orders over £50.00.

AMSTERDAM HOLLAND PRINT: Vintage Travel Poster

Cote d'azur poster: vintage travel print, japanese temple poster: pink japan cherry blossom print, mexico travel poster: vintage cactus advert print, visit palestine poster: middle east travel print, rome travel poster: vintage italian print, greece tourism poster: vintage greek athens bay travel advert print, san sebastian poster: vintage basque advert print, cuba travel poster: vintage advert art print, corfu tourism poster: vintage greek island travel advert print, st emilion poster: vintage french wine region print, vietnam travel poster: vintage saigon advert print, lake garda poster: vintage italian lake travel advert, new orleans poster: vintage jazz music art print, san francisco poster: vintage airline travel advert, venice travel poster: vintage gondola print, istanbul travel poster: blue mosque vintage tourism print, banff travel poster: vintage canadian travel advert, visitez la cote d'azur: vintage travel print poster, new york poster: vintage skyscraper travel print.

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Villas with heated pools, large properties, walk to the beach, featured villa, ca na baussana, mallorca, alcudia, at a glance.

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L’Olivar Cánaves

Mallorca, pollenca.

• 2 Twin Bedrooms
• Restaurants & Taverns 1.9km
• Beach 6.5km

Villa Alzines

Spacious grounds close to Pollenca

• 1 Double Bedroom
• 2 Bathrooms
• Table Tennis
• Restaurants & Taverns 1.5km

La Belle Demeure

Languedoc, carcassonne.

Walk to village

• 4 Double Bedrooms
• 6 Bathrooms
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• Small Party Rate (up to 8 people)
• Restaurant 400m

Corfu, San Stefanos

Reduced rates for smaller parties

• 4 Twin Bedrooms
• Beach 3.3km
• Tavernas 3.3km
• Minimarket 75m
• Heated Pool**

Kefalonia, Assos

• Shops & Tavernas 400m

Crete, Maleme

• 3 Double Bedrooms
• Beach 2.2km
• Taverna 1.8km

Meganisi, Spartohori

• Beach 1.6km
• Tavernas 650m
• Minimarket 500m

C'an Pontarro

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• 4 Bathrooms

Corfu, Paleokastritsa

• Beach 6.3km
• Minimarket & Taverna 3.6km

Kefalonia, Fiscardo

• Beach 3.6km
• Tavernas 2.1km

Corfu, Barbati

• Beach 2.3km
• Taverna 1.2km
• Supermarket 2.2km
• Small Party Rates (up to 6 & 8 people)

Catalunya, Tamariu

• Restaurant 430m

Maison de la Côte

South west france, parentis-en-born.

Close to the coast!

• Restaurants & Shops 1.3km
• Lakeside Beach 4km

La Maison Prunier

South west france, castillonnès.

• Heated Pool 

Côte d'Azur, Lorgues

• Air Conditioned Bedrooms
• Heated Pool
• Boules Pitch
• Restaurant 1km

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