Why does Bournemouth make up so much of this collection?
Bournemouth didn't exist as a settlement until the early 19th century, but grew rapidly into one of England's leading seaside resorts after the railway arrived in 1870. That rapid Victorian growth produced huge numbers of postcards of the pier, gardens and chines, which is reflected in how often the town appears here.
What are the 'chines' shown in some of these postcards?
A chine is a steep, wooded ravine cutting through the cliffs down to the beach, and Bournemouth has several, including Alum Chine. They were landscaped as part of the town's Victorian development and remain a distinctive feature of its postcards.
Why is Swanage sometimes called 'Old London by the Sea'?
In the 19th century, local businessmen John Mowlem and George Burt shipped Purbeck stone from Swanage to London and brought architectural relics back as ballast on the return journey, including facades, columns and even a clock tower. Those London fragments still stand around the town today, which is where the nickname comes from.
Does this collection cover the whole of Dorset?
It's weighted towards Bournemouth, with further postcards from Christchurch, Swanage, Lulworth Cove, Portland and the Isle of Purbeck. As with any county collection, some areas are better represented than others depending on what's come into stock.
How would you describe the condition of your Dorset postcards?
Every listing includes photos of both sides of the postcard, so you can see its condition for yourself. Where there's a specific issue that isn't obvious from the photos, such as a tear or thinning, we'll mention it in the description.
Are these genuine old postcards, or modern reprints?
Every postcard in this collection is an original from the period it was printed, not a reproduction. Some are unposted and never went through the mail, while others carry a postmark and message from decades ago, but both are equally genuine vintage pieces.
Are the postcards sold individually, or in lots?
Every postcard on the site is listed and priced individually, so you can pick exactly the ones you want rather than buying a bundle. If you're after a larger number for a project or gift, get in touch and we can see what we can put together.
How can you tell how old a Dorset postcard is?
If a postcard has been posted, the postmark on the back will usually give you a date. Where it isn't legible, or there's no postmark at all, we look at details like the printing style, the stamp box design and the publisher's mark to estimate an approximate era.
Do you have postcards of a specific Dorset town?
We list new postcards regularly, so if the place you're after isn't showing today, it's worth checking back. You're also welcome to get in touch and we can let you know if we have it in unlisted stock.
