The Social History Series of the London Life postcards were an instant hit in the Edwardian period. These popular postcards provided a snapshot of everyday London Life and visitors and tourists to the capital found them fascinating and purchased them in their thousands. Publishers from Aristophot, Beagles, John Walker, Louis Levy, Photochromic, Charles Skilton, Wyndham, Star Series, Raphael Tuck and Rotary Photo all provided a range of topics under the London Life umbrella.
Some series were printed, colour printed, art style and real photographic. Amongst all these publishers the best series was without doubt (in my opinion) Rotary Photo and their 1-100 London Life 10513 Series of amazing postcards depicting a wide range of characters, workers and trades found in everyday London. A Birds Eye view of historical importance and how social history everyday events and characters captured on camera can leave an everlasting legacy.
I have been tempted so many times to start collecting the Rotary London Life Series of Postcards but other collecting themes took up so much of my time…and budget so therefore it never seemed the right time…until 1-month ago. 40+ years later I bought my first London Life Postcard which is one of the most sought after. The No10 ‘Votes For Women” postcard and I purchased this from a lady in Australia who had treasured it for many years.
Once I had one secured, I know as a collector that I had to try and find more additions. This was how my journey began and I am more than happy to bide my time and pick them up as and when at the right price. I know some of the rare ones can demand high prices at dedicated postcard fairs and auctions but I prefer to hold back and hope that one day one of these falls into my lap for a realistic price. Don’t get me wrong, I understand that rare examples are worth every penny but because I am new to collecting this London Life series I want to see for myself what I consider scarce and worth the financial outlay.
If you are a collector of the Rotary London Life Postcard Series then please get in touch. If we both have duplicates then maybe we can swap or sell to each other. Keeping in touch with fellow collectors of these social history postcard gems maybe a win-win for both parties because I can give you a heads up for some you are searching for which I discovered at the fairs. If you do have some London Life postcards For Sale in the Rotary Photo Series then please get in touch. You can email me anytime at: mark@postcardsforsale.co.uk You can also call or text me using the details on the contacts page.