English Heritage launches postcard revival with limited-edition designs

English Heritage has commissioned limited-edition postcard designs from illustrators Nick Sharratt and Quentin Blake to combat the decline of the picture postcard. Research shows only 8% of British adults send a postcard once a year, while 52% never send them. The cards, printed by Judge's, England's last family-run postcard business, are available free at 18 historic sites this summer. Matt Thompson, director of conservation and learning, noted the tradition is fading fast. The initiative aims to revive the custom, especially among children. English Heritage also acquired over 800 historic postcards of Dover Castle from former head historian Pat Cunningham; a selection is on display at the castle's study centre. Postcards were introduced in Britain in 1870, with 75 million sent in the first year, rising to 800 million by 1910.