When the World was a Postcard
Vintage postage stamps whisper stories from another era — when the world felt distant, exotic, and deliciously mysterious. A single stamp could spark curiosity about faraway lands and unknown senders.
The first postage stamp appeared in the United Kingdom 1840, marking the dawn of global correspondence. By the late 20th century, metered post replaced hand-licked stamps, ushering in efficiency over romance.
Fantastic post office buildings from over 100 years ago are celebrated for their beautiful, durable construction and detailed, classical architectural styles, as they were considered prestigious civic symbols and vital community hubs.
The Palacio de Correos de México was built in 1907. A gilded heaven for philatelists and architecture freaks, it is still in full working order despite sitting atop tremulous ground.
Saigon Central Post Office built in1863, is notable for its perfect combination of neo-classical European architecture and Asian decorations. It remains a functioning post office. General Post Office in Algiers, built in 1910, is a fine example of French-designed, early 20th-century Moorish architecture. General Post Office, Amsterdam, Netherlands was built in 1895–1899 in the Neo-Gothic and Neo-Renaissance style.
Although postage stamps are fading from use, artists like Georgia O’Keeffe and Alexander Calder still grace them with artful imagery. A 1996 U.S. stamp honoured the artist for her abstract paintings derived from nature. The creativity of Calder is featured on this playful stamp.
Another way to spark curiosity about far away lands is to read a novel.
Replete with references to Greek mythology, Lynn Freed’s modern retelling of a timeless tale of self-fulfillment wanders into surprising territory along the way. Lawrence Durell’s novel explores the theme of modern love through intersecting relationships in pre-World War II in Alexandria, Egypt. Set in contemporary Ireland, Dohal Ryan’s novel of self-sacrifice, penance, and circumscribed possibilities for happiness, is narrated with great compassion and written with elegant lyricism.
Our curiosity about the past and faraway lands has inspired our new addition of pillows in Home Decor. It’s a nostalgic nod to letters, journeys, and stories that took their time to arrive. So go ahead—curl up on the sofa with a soft pillow and a good book, and let your mind drift to another time and place.
Hasta luego amigos.