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Donald McGill Postcard Museum
The purpose of this museum is to pay homage to Donald McGill, who spent his life creating original artworks for the then thriving postcard industry. Donald created over 12,000 postcards from 1904 till his death in 1962. You will find that Donald's Cards will depict anything and everyone, his watchful eye never missed a humorous situation as he witnessed the years as they rolled through the 20th century. His artwork covers: Two World Wars; Suffragettes; Lovers; Matrimony; Motoring; Evolution etc. etc. The ceiling has adhered to it over 2,500 of Donald's designs in chronological order, and amoungst this mass of two dimensional items, you will find several cards which we have made three dimensional. The museum will also focus on the trials and tribulations that Donald experienced in the 1950's, as he was prosecuted under the 1857 Obscenity Act for producing some cards deemed unsuitable for the public to see. It was Donald's use of the Double Entendre or Double Meaning that the courts disapproved of, despite being a tradition of the music halls and comics of the day. It is also interesting to note that a lot of the disapproved cards Donald had made, he had made earlier versions of in the 1920's and 1930's without any complaint. The museum has 1000's of cards on display and also interactive displays are in evidence. A large collection of original artwork will also be on display including very early work from 1907-1914. Question: Is this museum suitable for children? Answer: While most of the cards Donald produced are jovial comic cards, there are a small percentage which use the art of the Double Entendre or Hidden Meaning (the IT Girl above is considered to be one of Donald's most offensive cards), the beautiful thing about the Double Entendre is that it is designed to pass over the head of those who cannot see the alternative meaning, consequently Donald's cards appear to depict perfectly innocent situations, and also the text that accompanies them is equally innocent and often is a known phrase, however there are hidden meanings to be found if you already know to what is being alluded. Consequently, we believe children will find nothing offensive in this museum. There are interactive displays will amuse them and they can clamber into the 1954 Constance delivery van or spot the 3 dimensional items amongst the postcards on the ceiling. Also if they are shorter than the entrance turn-styles we will only ask a penny for the entrance admission.
Opening times & prices
Summer season- April-September 7 days a week 12pm-5pm Last entry 4.15. Out of season please check our website.
Group bookings 9am-12 and 5pm-7pm
Adults 3.50
Ancient Britons (over 65) 3.00
Children 5-16 1.50
Under 5's 1 penny.
Address
15 Union St,
Ryde
Isle of Wight
U.K.
PO33 2DU
Contact Details
- Telephone:- 01983 568 555
- Website:- www.donaldmcgill.info
- Email:- [email protected]
Travel and Parking
Travel:- Head for Ryde, Ask for Union Street and look for a large 'mirror' ball.
Parking:- Union Street is freeparking for 1 hour. There is also a carpark behind Union St on the west side.
Facilities: -
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