1910s Kew Gardens Richmond London England Vintage Art Postcard

About This Vintage Postcard

This serene landscape captures the tranquil beauty of The Lake at Kew Gardens in Richmond, London, reproduced from an original watercolor drawing by the artist C. T. Howard. The scene highlights the lush, diverse arboretum that surrounds the water, including tall poplars and dense greenery that have made the Royal Botanic Gardens a UNESCO World Heritage site. A solitary swan glides across the water near a patch of lily pads, while vibrant red flowers in the foreground add a splash of color to the natural palette. Originally designed by W.A. Nesfield in the mid-19th century, the lake remains one of the most picturesque spots within the gardens, and this artistic rendering emphasizes the romantic, naturalistic aesthetic favored by early 20th-century visitors.

Details

Era: Divided Back (1910–1915)
City: Richmond (London)
State or Region: Surrey / Greater London
Country: United Kingdom
Topic: Kew Gardens, The Lake, Royal Botanic Gardens, Watercolor Art, C. T. Howard Artist
Condition: Uncirculated
Postage: None; includes "Printed Matter" rate instructions
Address Side: divided back
Orientation: Horizontal (Landscape)
Artist / Photographer: C. T. Howard
Publisher: J. Salmon, Sevenoaks, England
Printer: J. Salmon, Sevenoaks, England
Print Type: Lithograph (Watercolor Reproduction)

Additional Information

The manufacturing date for this card is narrowed to 1910–1915. It was published by J. Salmon of Sevenoaks, one of the oldest established postcard publishers in Britain, known for high-quality artistic reproductions. The artist, Clarence Thomas Howard (1866–1942), was a prolific illustrator for Salmon, specializing in soft, atmospheric landscapes. This specific card, numbered 1771, features a unique "Printed Matter" notice on the reverse, explaining the British postal regulations of the time: if sent at the cheaper printed matter rate, the sender was restricted to just five words of greeting. This regulation was a common feature of British cards during the peak of the Golden Age of postcards before the onset of World War I.

This vintage postcard would look great framed or make an excellent addition to any collection.

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