Gladys Cooper

The remainder of my little postcard collection, which I started to document here a few months ago, is pictures of an actress, Gladys Cooper (1888-1971).  I remember being fascinated by her and by the wide variety of pictures of her so I started to collect them. 'Dame Gladys Constance Cooper, DBE was an English actress, theatrical manager and producer, whose career spanned seven decades on stage, in films and on television. Beginning as a teenager in Edwardian musical comedy and pantomime, she starred in dramatic roles and silent films before the First World War.'

She continued working in film, stage and TV right up until the 1970s. 

 One postcard is used, though must have been posted in an envelope as there is no address. 

'Dear Nellie  How as (sic) work gone down today, I expect you will be properly done up. I got home in fairly record time. It must have been the rain that help me along. I am not feeling like work today, could just do with a day in bed. I don't think never mind hell. I might have the good fortune to win Tit Bits or Ideas (?) compin (coupon? competition?) some of these days. When the world comes to an end. Sorry I have not any news, Dear but will have more on Wednesday night. Hope you like the postcard. She looking very downhearted. With Best Love From Your Loving Sweetheart, Billy G.  X (a kiss) Only one (I don't think)' 

Aw, how sweet. That’s what we all used to do before email and texts! 

Gladys and her daughter Joan, born in 1910.

Bhutia girl

Here's another postcard from the little collection I once amassed. It says very little but yet contains a wealth of 'story'. The postcard was printed in Germany but with a photograph that originates in Bombay and was distributed by the Universal Postal Union of British India. I can't quite read the postmark - maybe 10 Nov 1905?  Sent to a lady - Miss J Broadley, I think, in Blackpool (via Brindisi). The message is short and sweet: 'Kindly send me G's address. Haven't heard from him for months. Regards, H.' 

It's the picture I find most fascinating; such an attractive woman in an elaborate costume.  I'd never heard of the Bhutia people so I've looked up the reference. See HERE. 'The Bhutia are a community of Sikkimese people living in the state of Sikkim in northeastern India, who speak Drenjongke or Sikkimese, a Tibetic language fairly mutually intelligible with standard Tibetan. Bhutia here refers to people of Tibetic ancestry.' The Wikipedia entry has a photo of a young woman dressed very similarly, in silk with jewellery and prayer beads made of gold and precious stones.  

 

'Everything going on alright'

Everything IS going on alright... except that I'm far too busy indoors to get outside taking photos. So I'm improvising, that is 'making do with whatever is available' to post about. I am currently trying to sort out my study, which was the area I was least successful in decluttering before I moved. Thus I am having a hard job to organise and find storage for all the items I brought with me. Unpacking the boxes is rather fun though. After five months or so, I have forgotten what I'd packed away so I'm getting some surprises. I've just uncovered a small envelope full of old postcards. Many years ago I had a short spell of buying old postcards from antiques shops. I just used to choose those that attracted me for one reason or another.  This one must have made me smile. It's addressed to Miss D somebody or other in Bognor, Sussex (I do have difficulty reading some cursive writing) and says: 'Just met ? (Mil?) in tearing hurry, five striking. Mr F ratty.  ? (Mil again?) sends her love. Got box and basket. Everything going on alright. Will write letter tonight. Tons of love ? '  It was posted in London (Putney). The franking mark says '08' so that could mean 1908, though that could simply be a sorting office number. 

I can't read the signature but if that is a man writing to his girlfriend then it seems to me an odd postcard to choose... "You're the only girl I ever loved" but with shadowy figures of all the other girls he ever loved in the background! Intriguing. I find postcards rarely say anything significant on the back. They must have been the olden day equivalent of a quick text, with the more important sentiments and messages sent in proper letters. Fun though.