In the late 19th century and the early 20th century, this was often done via postcards, which only cost a penny to post.

Their production boomed in this period. A wonderful array of Bendigo postcards, dating from 1890 through to the present day, may be seen in the current exhibition at Post Office Gallery, Bendigo for sunshine, business and pleasure.

Many of these early picture postcards reveal the most marketable views of Bendigo favoured by photographers.

Looking at these over time, we can see the changing structures and transport modes of the city. The fashions for leisure activities and personal attire may also be observed.

The reverse of used postcards of the turn of the century also reveals the somewhat lost art of penmanship, as looped, cursive script or ‘fair hand’ allowed for beautiful flourishes while also having the practical advantage of writing speed.

Today postcards are typically purchased as souvenirs, rather than as a quick way to communicate.

The white border seen around the image on postcards produced between 1915 and 1930 was the result of printers attempting to save ink, and therefore costs, by not printing to the edge of the card.

Advances in colour printing technology in the 1930s saw quicker production and brighter dyes being used. By the end of that decade, ‘photochrom’ postcards, with glossy images closely resembling photographs, came to dominate the market and are what we are most familiar with today.