RootsChat.Com
England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => London and Middlesex => Topic started by: patchnet on Monday 12 March 12 14:22 GMT (UK)
-
Hi Everyone,
I am researching for a book on the history of Lee (in south-east London) and looking for any old postcards of the area people might have. The areas covered will include Lee (incl. Lee Green) and Grove Park and Hither Green, plus those parts of Lewisham, Eltham, Blackheath, Downham, Catford, Kidbrooke and Mottingham that are close to the borders of Lee. Dates can be anything from the very earliest cards up to the 1960s. I need good quality scans (or I would even buy them if you want to sell). Also, any early reminiscences of Life in Lee from WW2 and before would be gratefully received.
Many thanks to all,
Pat
-
Have you looked at ebay - there of lots of postcards for sale on there. For most areas in London.
Also if you are on Facebook, you could post on there.
-
Yes, I know about eBay, thanks, and often buy cards from there, but it's the ones people have stashed away in their lofts/old boxes/etc. that I'm hoping they will now remember...
-
Have you seen this picture of Lee Green?
http://deadpubs.co.uk/KentPubs/Lee/OldTigersHead.shtml
-
Yes, I have a copy of that postcard in my collection.
-
In addition to eBay, there are sites like eBid and Delcampe that specialise rather more in collectibles and occasionally throw up a nugget. It's also worth visiting postcard fairs and going through boxes of postcards. Assuming you are in the London area, there's one this Thursday, 15th March, at Crofton Hall next to Orpington Station, 4-7pm (admission free), and a huge one in the Royal National Hotel, Bedford Way, Bloomsbury on 25th March, 10-4.30 (£1.50 admission). You've just missed one in Croydon that has a lot of local cards. You need to have a good memory of what you already have, and/or be prepared to accidentally buy duplicates. Prices range from 20p up to tens of pounds, but it's rarely worth going through the under-a-pound boxes for the kind of cards you're after. Finally, allow lots of time and get there early as some dealers leave early.
Whilst high quality cards are ideal, it's not too difficult, albeit tedious, to repair scans with a photo editor, and sometimes a bit of "patina" even enhances the olde-worlde feel.
Don't forget that 1960s cards and reprints of old cards will be under copyright. Local Studies Libraries will have collections, but will charge a fee to publish copies and/or ask for free copies of your book (which you should probably give them anyway).
You could also ask on the Sydenham Town and Virtual Norwood forums which cover the area you mention, despite their names.
-
Sadly I'm in Dorset now (Broadstone, near Poole) so don't get a chance to do the London fairs any more (though I hear they're not as productive as they used to be anyway). I used to like the big annual one in Victoria but that has ceased now I gather. As to repairing images, I find that quite fun and not at all tedious. Still hoping for those hidden boxes. (Another member here sent me a scan of three cards from around Eltham Road/Burnt Ash Hill/Lee Green that a third member had sent her a while ago - if you're still out there, please get in touch as I hadn't seen any of those before.)