Postcards were introduced to Britain in 1870, peaking in popularity from the late 1890s to World War One. It was a form of cheap, rapid communication with millions exchanged for holiday greetings, quick notes and personal messages.
This 'Postcards from hospital' exhibition features historical postcards of Edinburgh hospitals. The digital copies of the postcards were kindly donated to Capital Collections by a former colleague from her personal collection.
Some of the hospitals featured still exist although are somewhat changed in appearance and use. Many of the postcards have been written and sent, and some are clearly written during the person’s hospital stay, telling friends and family how they were or when they expected to get out, as in earlier times, post was delivered several times a day so mail could be posted in the morning and delivered a few hours later! The state of the weather is another recurring theme within the messages.
"Ward 3 [?]
Dear C,
I am wondering how you are all getting on? This is a P.C. of the ward, I thought you would like it.
I don't think I'll be very long or I get home now. Trusting you are all well.
Love".
Among the postcards are some of the 2nd General Hospital which many will know today as the Western General Hospital. Other views include postcards of the former Royal Infirmary at Lauriston Place, The Royal Hospital for Sick Children on Sciennes Road, Colinton Mains Hospital and the Astley Ainsley Hospital.
The image library for the collections of Edinburgh Libraries and Museums and Galleries