Travellers have used the postcard as a form of communication to loved ones back home since the late nineteenth century when the modern postcard began. David Cook writes that: 'The first postcards, actually titled as such, to come into use in Australia were issued by the New South Wales postal authorities in December 1875.' (1.) Postcards were also used as a cheap form of communication to pass on messages or greetings, particularly before the use of telephones.

Postcards are a reminder of a once popular form of communication that fewer people use today, due to new forms of communication such as E-mail, travel blogs and digital photography. As this postcard did not have a message on it, it could be concluded that it was sent to Mary Anne Collins by a family member or friend who lived in Sydney. It may have been sent to show how much Sydney had changed since she visited in the late 1920s and early 1930s. The postcard highlights two of Sydney's iconic structures, the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House before completion.

(1.) Cook, David, 'Picture Postcards in Australia 1898-1920', Victoria: Pioneer Design Studio, 1986, p.19.

By Murfett Publishers, Australia.

This postcard was owned by Mary Anne Collins (nee) Joyce who was the donor's mother. She travelled from Perth to Sydney in the late 1920s, staying for 3 to 4 years. Mary had relatives in Sydney, the O'Sullivan family (her mother's relatives) and the Joyce family. During her travels she collected memorabilia and made many friends. It is likely that either a family member or one of the friends she met while in Sydney sent her this postcard.

Mary Anne Collins died in 1990 at the age of 91. The donor received this collection of objects after her mother's death.

Postcard, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, paper, made by Murfett Publishers, Australia, 1963-1973

Colour postcard of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House from Mrs Macquarie's Chair. Cranes can be seen working around the Opera House. The back of the postcard has a place for a stamp and the following words and numbers: 'POST CARD', 'P3015-10', 'National View by Murfett Publishers, Australia' and 'Bridge and Opera House from Across Harbour. An unusual view from Mrs. Macquarie's Chair showing the Bridge and the nearly completed Opera House.'

There is no writing on the postcard.

Made: 1963 - 1973

2007/77/13

1963 - 1973

139 mm

0.5 mm