A Certain Kind of Postcard

Algernon Swift develops a series of suggestive postcards and sells them at the market.  However, his customers are disgruntled to find printed on them dark and hazy images of looming and obscure shapes.  “Why!” says Swift, when they complain, “this one is suggestive of gloom, and this of nervous anticipation, and this of horror and uncertainty.”

Reverend Hawker is a man of the world and has encountered a certain kind of French postcard.  He reminds Swift that his postcards should at least feature a scantily clad female.  Swift takes his advice but the photographic studio he employs produces a series of pictures in which the model is too close to the camera or too distant, is always out of focus and draped in heavy shadow, and all one can make out are strips of glimmering flesh.

Swift is delighted.  

“This one is suggestive of moonlight in a lonely chasm!” he exclaims, “and this one of a continental breakfast, and this one of the swelling sails of yachts!” 

Reverend Hawker gives up on his charge and retires to the library to read a pornographic novel where everybody keeps their clothes on, nobody touches, and long pages are given over to descriptions of gardening.

******

Don’t forget, the Hawker’s Pot suitcase of postcards will be at the Shambles (weather permitting) on Stroud Goodwill Evening tomorrow (Friday December 7^th)

and back at Modern Leisure Maker’s Market at Badbrook Hall on Saturday and Sunday (8^th and 9^th December).

Also, from today a selection of Hawker’s Pot postcards are available to buy from the Star Anise Arts Cafe on Bath Street, Stroud. (Thank you, Nicholas Allan!)