The Bamforth Collection: Saucy Postcards

by Marcus Hearn

The Yorkshire-based publisher Bamforth & Co. started producing 'saucy' postcards in 1910. These cheeky designs became synonymous with the English seaside resorts where they were sold, but were exported all over the world. After WW2, Bamforth artists began to satirise the classic comic archetypes that still resonate today - henpecked husbands, naughty nurses and randy milkmen. Contemporary concerns ranging from the contraceptive pill to the space race also received the irreverent Bamforth treatment. This book celebrates the golden age of these comic gems, with a selection of more than 250 cards originally published from the early 1950s to the mid-70s.

Genres: Humor

224 pages, Hardcover

First published July 18, 2013

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the ideal book for a saucy joke for in between. All walks of life are covered here and the women presented are eye popping in the truest sense of the word. Good old political incorrect humor that makes you turn page after page. Is it for old geezers only? I wouldn't say so... the world is serious enough and situations don't change too much over the years. Simply take your time out for some old fashioned serious laugh with those old fashioned postcards. Highly recommended!

[Angie Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very funny perfect to dip into and brighten up cold Winter nights, A history of the Seaside Postcards complete with colour prints of the saucy postcards that made people giggle x

[James Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun read. I remember many of these postcards - or similar ones at least - from my childhood seaside holidays. They were always so risque - especially for that era. Not only is this a fascinating collection, the book also provides a wealth of historical background. As the blurb itself confirms, 'This is a fascinating glimpse of post war liberalisation, and a colourful celebration of timeless British humour'.

[Jessica Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! I saw it in The Works and couldn't resist - it's a snapshot into the past, and some of the corny jokes, at least, are sure to raise a smile.