Postcard Collection Offers Glimpse into Brighton and Hove’s Past

Step back in time with a fascinating collection of postcards that beautifully capture the essence of Brighton and Hove in the 1950s. This treasure trove of memories, currently up for grabs, offers a unique snapshot of our beloved city and its surrounding towns and villages.

The collection, meticulously assembled over a decade from 1953 to 1964, comprises over 450 postcards. The earliest ones, purchased when the owner resided in Bexhill, are monochrome or brown-tinted, with the first splash of colour being a blue-tinted postcard of Bexhill. As the collection grew, it began to include vibrant, coloured postcards from across the UK, with every English county represented except Leicestershire and Rutland.

The owner’s passion for collecting these postcards is evident in the stories he shares. Recalling how his father would stop their two-door Hillman Husky in every unrepresented village, allowing him to spend his 3d at the local stationers, paints a vivid picture of a bygone era.

Over 100 postcards in the collection feature charming scenes from Sussex and Kent, including our very own Brighton and Hove. These postcards not only serve as a nostalgic reminder of our city’s past but also provide an intriguing comparison to the Brighton and Hove we know and love today.

Now, in a bid to declutter, the owner is ready to part with his cherished collection. He’s offering the albums to anyone willing to collect them from Slindon, in exchange for a donation to St Wilfrid’s Hospice in Bosham.

This is a golden opportunity for local history enthusiasts or anyone with a love for Brighton and Hove to own a piece of our city’s past. The postcards are a testament to the changing face of Brighton and Hove, and they’re sure to spark conversations and memories for years to come.

Image: Submitted to SussexWorld