Silk postcard sent by Alf Barkle to his mother 24 August 1918 during World War One

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Type: Postcards
Date: 24 August 1918
Materials: Paper, Silk
Collection: John Murray collection
Accession number: 2006.0084.0004

Description

A postcard made of white silk mounted within a white cardboard frame. The frame features lines embossed around the silk inset which is in two pieces forming a small pocket opening. On the flap section of the opening is embroidered a purple flower flanked by green foilage, and along the edge is featured white embroidery and small blue flowers with yellow centres. On the bottom section of the pocket two small purple embroidered flowers flank the words 'I LOVE YOU' embroidered in red. On the reverse, the card is dated 'August 24th 1918' in the top right hand corner. The inscription reads 'Dear Mother / Just a few lines to let you / know that I am all right ... love and / kisses. Your loving son Alf'. Inside the envelope section is a white card with an image of a holly branch, and the words 'To my Sweetheart' in black.

About the collection

The John Murray collection comprises two embroidered silk postcards and two embroidered silk handkerchiefs dating from World War One, and a program for Anzac Day ceremonies held at Serapeum, Egypt, in 1916. The handkerchiefs and postcards were sent by Norman and Alfred Barkle to their mother in Sydney while the men were serving with the First Australian Imperial Force in France and Belgium. During World War One, embroidered silk postcards and handkerchiefs became popular souvenirs for Australians serving on the Western Front. Local women and small factories produced these items for sale to Allied troops through regimental canteens. The cards and handkerchiefs featured a variety of patriotic and sentimental motifs and messages and Australians sent thousands home to family and friends.

Read live from the Museum's Collection API (12/11/2026, 4:58:21 am). Record last updated by the Museum 2026-09-08. Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/.