Opening a tattered box of family keepsakes I discovered a small treasure trove carefully wrapped in dark tissue to delay the years. Each parcel contained an old, frail, fabric postcard that was precious to someone once. As I unwrapped them, one by one, I realised why they’d been wrapped with such care. Delicate and exquisite with embroidered flowers, patriotic slogans and sweet messages of love, these embroidered fancies were postcards dating back to World War I.
During the Great War, anxious families were naturally desperate to hear news of their boys “over there”. Likewise, soldiers wanted to reassure their families and women who loved them that they were safe. However, the War Precautions Act allowed the government to