I'm always curious when I come across postcards which are not what I'd consider to be 'attractive' postcard subjects. For example my recent blog post on Barnsley Cemetery. I recently came across these 2 of Cirencester Hospital, Gloucestershire. Admittedly they are of more architectural interest than most modern hospitals today, and neither really look like a hospital, and also steeped in history dating back to Henry I, but still strange to have a postcard of them. I also have a few of convalescent homes which perhaps I'll devote a future posting to. Don't forget to visit other people's Sepia Saturday postings.
 |
| St. John's Hospital, Cirencester |
Hospital Gate, Cirencester
As usual 100's more vintage postcards in my web site
Posts
.jpg)
There are a number of places in Gloucestershire with similar architecture. Nice cards which show of the arches well. Stone buildings have much more character than brick.
ReplyDeleteMaybe they're architectural or perhaps if you were in hospital you could buy a card to sent to your relatives?
ReplyDeleteI love that gate that's the entrance to the hospital. Must have been a very classy place. Looks more like an entrance to a mansion. In fact it reminds of the gate leading up the the Biltmore Estates in Asheville, NC.
ReplyDeleteThey certainly were gorgeous wee hospitals, they certainly have a style that modern hospitals don't have! Maybe these cards were used by the patients to family and friends?
ReplyDeleteVery interesting. I agree it does look like the entrance to Biltmore in NC. You have a great collection for sure. I am doing another of mine too.
ReplyDeleteQMM
I think most of the hospital in the U. S. were pictured on postcards, especially during the early 20th century when postcards were so popular. I have one of the hospital where I was born and even some much newer ones.
ReplyDeleteIt almost looks to me like a convent building. It is curious to me what images are chosen to be on postcards. I suppose as long as there is someone interested in buying them, they will be produced.
ReplyDeleteGreat postcards and a wonderful old building.
ReplyDeleteAlmost mystic in appearance and that name Cirencester fits...as I see it...
ReplyDeleteI think postcards were sometimes intended for just the simple task of writing a quick note. Small villages might have cards in the local post office, and in the days when there was no telephone, a card was fastest way to send a message. Local photographers recognized the market and produced these pictures to imitate the grander photos of more famous places.
ReplyDeleteYou know it's just so hard for me to fathom a hospital that old. We get excited when we go looking at something a hundred years old.
ReplyDeleteDo you think it can be compared to a modern hospital, though? I used to live close to St Cross Hospital dating from much the same era, and it was more of an almshouse taking care of travellers and the destitute than a hospital as we know it.
ReplyDeleteThe hospital gate looks suspiciously like a lych gate. :) :)
They almost look like those small pottery models of buildings you can buy : slightly unreal, almost a little too good to be true. But fine cards - real collectors' pieces.
ReplyDelete