A Glimpse Through Time: Leicester's Hospital, Warwick.

Holding this postcard, the familiar weight of aged cardstock in my hand, I'm transported not just to the charming medieval town of Warwick, but to a place steeped in history and quiet dedication: the Lord Leycester Hospital. It's more than just a picturesque building captured in sepia tones (or perhaps vibrant hues, depending on its vintage); it's a tangible link to centuries of care and service.

The subject of this particular piece of my ever-growing postcard collection is, as the name suggests, the Lord Leycester Hospital. But "hospital" in this context isn't the bustling medical facility we might imagine today. Instead, this remarkable institution stands as a beacon of enduring charity, a haven established in the late 16th century by Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. Its purpose then, as it remains today, is to provide support and accommodation for ex-servicemen and their wives or widows.

Think about that for a moment. While grand castles and bustling market squares often dominate historical narratives, here we have a place specifically designed to care for those who have served their country. Each stone of the Lord Leycester Hospital whispers tales of loyalty, sacrifice, and the enduring need to support those who have borne the burdens of conflict.

Looking closely at the image on the postcard – perhaps it captures the iconic timber-framed architecture, the serene Master's Garden, or the imposing gateway – I can almost feel the echoes of past residents. Imagine the conversations held within those ancient walls, the camaraderie forged through shared experiences, the quiet dignity of lives dedicated to service.

This postcard, therefore, transcends its simple function as a piece of correspondence. It's a miniature window into a world where compassion and community have stood the test of time. It's a reminder that history isn't just about battles and monarchs; it's also about the enduring efforts to care for one another.

As a small part of my larger collection, this postcard of the Lord Leycester Hospital holds a special significance. It represents not just a beautiful building, but a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of human kindness and the importance of remembering and supporting those who have served. It's a story etched in ink and paper, a story I'm proud to hold within my hands.

What stories do your own collections hold? Have you ever encountered a seemingly simple object that unlocked a deeper understanding of history or human connection?

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A Century-Old Glimpse of Dartmeet, Devon

Holding this postcard, the smooth, slightly yellowed surface a testament to time, feels like cradling a tiny window into the past. It's more than just a piece of cardstock; it's a silent witness, a tangible link to a Devon landscape a century removed from our own.

The image itself captures the iconic meeting of the East and West Dart rivers at Dartmeet. Even in this static, sepia-toned moment, you can almost hear the gentle rush of water as the two streams embrace, their individual journeys merging into a single, stronger flow. The ancient clapper bridge, a rugged spine of granite, stands sentinel over the confluence, its weathered stones bearing the footsteps of generations.

Imagine the scene a hundred years ago. Perhaps a horse-drawn cart trundles across the bridge, its wheels echoing on the stone. Maybe picnickers, dressed in the fashions of the era, spread blankets on the riverbank, their laughter carried on the breeze. Were there anglers casting lines into the clear waters, hoping for a catch? The postcard doesn't tell us these stories directly, but it ignites the imagination, prompting us to fill in the details of a bygone era.

This isn't just a pretty picture; it's a historical artifact. Think about the journey this small piece of paper has taken. It was likely purchased as a memento, a tangible reminder of a visit to this beautiful spot. Perhaps it was sent to a loved one, carrying a brief message of "wish you were here" or a simple update on travels. Who held it? What were their lives like? Did they ever return to Dartmeet?

Holding this approximately century-old postcard connects me to those unknown individuals and to a version of Dartmeet that has undoubtedly changed, yet likely retains its timeless charm. The rivers still meet, the bridge still stands, and the beauty of the Devon landscape endures. This little piece of my collection isn't just a picture; it's a whisper from the past, a reminder of the enduring power of place and the stories held within the simplest of objects.

It makes you wonder, what stories will our postcards tell a hundred years from now?

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Venice: Day 1, 29 October 2018

Monday, October 29th, 2018. Our arrival in the fabled city of Venice was less a gentle gondola ride and more a wade into watery wonder. Instead of the postcard-perfect canals reflecting centuries of history, we were greeted by an altogether more dramatic scene: Venice submerged.

They say acqua alta, the high water, is a part of Venetian life. But the deluge that greeted us on our first day was something else entirely. Reports trickled in of the worst flooding in over a decade, the water levels in places, particularly around the iconic St. Mark's Square, creeping alarmingly close to three feet. The romantic notion of exploring the labyrinthine alleyways quickly dissolved into the more pressing reality of navigating a city rapidly turning into a temporary lagoon.

Our initial plans for a leisurely exploration were, shall we say, dampened. The heart of Venice, the areas we had dreamt of seeing first, were simply unreachable. Instead, our initial hours were spent confined to the periphery – the areas around the airport and our hotel becoming our unexpected initial playground.

But even in these less celebrated corners, the power and strangeness of the situation were undeniable. The familiar sounds of rolling suitcases were replaced by the slosh of water, the usual bustle punctuated by the lapping tide against doorways. Reflections danced on surfaces that should have been dry, turning ordinary streets into shimmering, albeit inconvenient, waterways.

Armed with whatever photographic tool came to hand – my trusty Sony phone for quick snaps, the surprisingly capable camera on my Amazon tablet, and my reliable Nikon D330 SLR for when conditions allowed – I tried to capture the surreal beauty of this unexpected introduction to Venice. These first images aren't of grand palazzos or bustling markets. They are a testament to the resilience of a city facing a formidable force of nature, a glimpse into the everyday adapting to the extraordinary.

They are pictures of a city holding its breath, waiting for the waters to recede, but even in its submerged state, radiating a unique and unforgettable charm. This wasn't the Venice we expected, but it was certainly a Venice we will never forget. Stay tuned for more as (hopefully!) the waters subside and we can venture deeper into the heart of this incredible, if currently very wet, city.

Taken at the Venice airport boat moorings waiting for my transfer to the city.

This was my first proper land based view of Venice, taken from the boat landing area near
St Marks Square looking across the water to the church of San Giorgio Maggiore.

Looking down from my hotel room at San Marco Palace to the flooded courtyard below.

Flooding outside Doge's Palace at the entrance to St Mark's Square. The water got deeper than
this crossing the square, reaching chest height on me before I successfully reached my hotel.

The hotel steps.

I took this shortly after take off from Manchester Airport looking out across the Peak
District. The sun had not long since risen. At a guess I think the plane would have been
somewhere between Marple Bridge and New Mills.

The Hotel Steps again, looking up towards the sky light.

Looking down towards the Alps Mountain range somewhere near the borders of Switzerland,
Liechtenstein, Austria and Italy.

The rooftops of Venice viewed from my hotel room at San Marco Palace.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Vintage Railway Posters of the World.

Currently sorting through my collection of images that I have acquired over the years trying to find stuff to do with them and found over 200 vintage railway posters. I have taken an initial 26 from them and turned them in to a slideshow - video, which can now be viewed both here and on YouTube. The posters are mainly from the United Kingdom but there are also posters from other parts of the world.

I purchased many of my images copyright free and as far as I am aware that is the case with these. if I am misinformed I will remove them if asked by the copyright holder.

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Raphael Kirchner.. Pin Ups and Vintage Girls.

Sometimes, the most unexpected discoveries land right in your lap. Recently, I stumbled upon a fascinating collection of images, a veritable time capsule brimming with the echoes of bygone eras. I'm told these pictures are copyright free, and as they sat there, a silent testament to forgotten artistry and cultural moments, I couldn't shake the feeling that they deserved more than just gathering dust.

Imagine leafing through a stack that includes vibrant old travel posters, each a miniature invitation to a world long past. Then there are the delicate autographs, whispers of famous hands and personalities. And let's not forget the captivating pin-up girls, each a unique expression of artistic style and societal ideals. The collection even holds a glimpse into the more discreet world of Victorian erotica, offering a fascinating, albeit perhaps blush-inducing, peek into the sensibilities of the time. Rounding it all off are portraits of celebrities, frozen moments of fame and recognition.

It felt like a disservice to keep these intriguing snapshots locked away. So, I decided to bring a small portion of this treasure trove to life. My first foray into sharing this collection focuses on the captivating work of Raphael Kirchner.

For those unfamiliar, Raphael Kirchner was an incredibly prolific Austrian artist, born on May 5th, 1875. Despite a tragically short life – he passed away on August 2nd, 1917, at the young age of 42 – Kirchner left behind an astonishing legacy of over a thousand paintings and drawings. His distinctive style, often characterized by elegant lines and a certain romanticism, captured the spirit of his era.

I've carefully selected 30 images from the Raphael Kirchner part of the collection and transformed them into a short slideshow video, now available for your viewing pleasure on YouTube. It's a small window into the artistry of Kirchner and a chance to appreciate the beauty and detail of his work.

This is just the beginning of exploring this fascinating collection. I'm excited to delve deeper into the other categories – the allure of vintage travel, the stories behind the autographs, the artistry of the pin-ups, the intrigue of the Victorian era, and the faces of fame.

Stay tuned for more glimpses into this unearthed world

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