Collecting Themes: The Moon

Liz McKernan : August 1999

For centuries it was thought that the moon affected the lives of all of us here on earth. It was believed to have magical powers and we now know that it is responsible for tides world-wide. Artists, poets and musicians have all expressed its beauty in their own way - who can not fail to be moved by Debussy's 'Clair de Lune'?

Postcard artists have illustrated the moon in many ways. The full moon is the most popular in romantic themes whilst for some reason the crescent moon is favoured by artists showing the comic drunk.

One particular type of card which I find attractive is known in France as 'Bleu a la lune' but we do not seem to have found an English term for this yet. The pictures were printed on blue- card, were undivided backs with red printing and always Show a full moon (probably faked!).

In July 1969 some of the magic disappeared when man finally landed on the moon and we learnt that it was formed of solid rock and not cheese! However, the magic of a moon- lit night can still enlighten the human soul and the popularity of the modern tourist postcard showing a moon on a com- pletely black background as 'Hastings by Night' Shows the continuing attraction of our satellite. (I wonder how many towns have been done in this way - a stroke of genius by the designer!!)

 

Other featured articles:
Room for six more cards on the table - Jim Crawford - September 1998
Peter & Paul Hartland-Swann on the first HAPAG postcards - January 2000
Paris Exhibition of 1900 - Liz McKernan - March 2000
'Rhayader, the Dams of the Elan Valley, and the Birmingham Waterworks Railway - Colin Judge - May 2000

 

moon postcard

This Leap Year card features a rather sad moon! Published by Millar and Lang Ltd of Glasgow and London, and boldly stating that it was 'Printed in Britain,' it does not give the artist's name.

moon postcard

 


The Italian artist Colombo is known for his attractive, often saucy, children, and a moon with a face often features in his cards

moon postcard


'A Tasty Bit' is no. 6 in a romantic set published by Photochrom of London and Tunbridge Wells in their 'Celesque' series. No face on the moon, but an attractive design, with an added bonus for the mushroom collectors!

moon postcard


No moon collection would be complete without this wonderful photographic postcard taken from the official NASA film. Apollo II had just landed and 'Buzz' Aldrin is pictured walking on the moon

 

   
Reflections of a Bygone Age
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