Vintage Art Deco Postcard: Photo source: Oliver Hammond
Travel for leisure became very trendy in the 1920s. People had an abundance of disposable income, thanks to the healthy economy, and they became interested in non-essential, luxury purchases - most notably, traveling to exotic locations.
This trend gave rise to a multitude of travel related advertising material. Art Deco travel posters and travel brochures advertised glamorous destinations like the French Riviera, Africa and the Orient.
1930s Dolomites Art Deco Sports Travel Brochure - Image source: idesirevintageposters.com
Moreover, as people started traveling for leisure, they needed a way to flaunt their exotic travel adventures to friends, family and the Joneses!
This need gave rise to the common little piece of heavy stock paper we refer to as the Art Deco postcard.
Vintage Art Deco Postcard - Photo source: Oliver Hammond
Today we take this simple item for granted, however in the 1920's and 1930's, sending a postcard sent a message significantly more meaningful than 'Wish you were here.' It was representative of how well you were doing - both socially and financially.
The travel brochure and travel postcard imagery was typical of the Art Deco style. Angular, geometric font spelled out the names of exotic and luxurious locations. Scenic images of these destinations were highly stylized, as were the figures posing in them. The use of straight lines and sweeping curves achieved the futuristic, modern Art Deco look.
Vintage Art Deco Postcard - Photo source: Ephemeral New York
