Why should you own this boring book? Or should you own any book at all?
- I currently have the ‘Boring Postcards’ book (on Loan). The images inside ‘Boring Postcards’ are, in fact, a historical document of the times, values and places from an historical point of view. This always happens at the end of a camera shutter’s exposure. History is captured.
This history comes courtesy of many photographers around the UK. Some of these images are held within the records of J Salmon Ltd, Sevenoaks, England. They have printed post cards for many years.
- My personal history with Sevenoaks is the fact that I used to live there. My two sons were born there, and one of my favourite all-time songs from the Beatles was inspired by a visit to Sevenoaks. This song is “Being for the benefit of Mr. Kite!” from the Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album.
So back to the book.
- Other than as an historical document, what, if any, value does this have? Having brought a smile to my face, I can see a use for this book on my bookshelf.
- If I am feeling low, uninspired, lethargic, unimaginative and my creativity only runs to another cup of tea, this is a great book to have at hand. If these people were inspired to capture these images for history at a cost to them and the companies they might be working for, who am I to sit in my little man-cave?
- The funny thing is you have to find the ISBN no. which is printed across the back of the last 2 pages. First published 1999 © Phaidon Press Ltd. ISBN 0 7148 3895 0.
I would encourage you to go out and buy one!
M