Friday 9 November 2012

London, Switchboard Operators, c1920

London, Switchboard Operators, circa 1920. This week's Sepia Saturday blog posting is about switchboard operators. I couldn't resist posting this postcard from my collection. This postcard was written by the lady on the second left of the picture. My transcription of the text on the back of the postcard is below. Postcard by the Grafton Reproduction Co. of 291 Lavender Hill, Clapham, London SW11.

'Dear G (or S or something else)

What do you think of this? The official photographers have been paying us a visit. I was coaching a learner at the time but you see she has moved. I suppose I shall have a letter from you some day. There is no harm in waiting. I heard from Peggy two weeks ago, she said they hadn't heard from you for ages. Hope you are fit. *name illegible*'

No 'now' picture for this postcard for obvious reasons. Click on the pictures to enlarge.



17 comments:

  1. What a great postcard! I wish I had a picture of my mother at the controls. I'm not quite certain how you would do the then-and-now with a telephone operator postcard?!

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  2. That's an interesting photo. I can't help but notice that male "boss" checking up on the females. In the prompt photo that job seemed to go to a woman which seems a lot more sensible.
    Nancy

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  3. That's a great image, especailly for a postcard.

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  4. Wow, what an amazing treasure you have!

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  5. That's a super card, Howard and a remarkable perfect fit to the Sepia Saturday Theme! It's strange how in 2012 we still recognize the occupation of a telephone operator when the technology has been gone for so many decades.

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  6. I love the movement in the first girl's face - it makes the image even more special. Almost like sitting still for the photographer was one thing, but if a call came, it had to be answered.

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  7. Great insight into the past!

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  8. There is a striking resemblance between the switchboards in the theme picture and your card! Same make?

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  9. Great card, Howard.How it used to be; I guess it's all done by computers now.

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  10. Look how shiny the wood of the toll board is. And tight quarters there too.

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  11. What an interesting postcard!

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  12. This is the perfect picture to match today's theme! Well done!

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  13. That photo does match the prompt, all except the male supervisor or teacher with the "learner". I like how the operators are all looking aside toward the photographer, maybe missing the lights flash in front of them?

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  14. Ah, that poor learner, immortalized as a blur now...
    I wonder how she fared at that job.
    ;)~
    HUGZ

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  15. So this was the "Lavender Hill SWITCHBOARD Mob"?

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  16. This is a wonderful old postcard and so right on theme! I too love how it shows the times, male supervisor carefully keeping an eye on all the ladies!

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  17. That is a great postcard of the past. I don't think they use switchboards anymore. Now everyone is walking around with the iPhones. Thanks for stopping by my blog.
    Judy

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