I’ve got a few Paper Moon and ‘prop photo’ posts to come over the next couple of weeks. I’ve been gathering quite a collection. Unfortunately I’m a bit snowed under with a pressing work deadline this week, so in the meantime, if anyone is in Melbourne and looking for something to do, go and take your own Paper Moon photograph at the Museum and ride the roller coaster (and beat the heat at the same time – BONUS!). They have a Paper Moon set up in the Melbourne Gallery as part of the display on Luna Park. Eloise wasn’t very obliging when we were last there, so I am itching to go back! My heart skipped a beat when I first discovered it. Oh how I love the Melbourne Gallery, I could spend hours in there (although Eloise isn’t too keen on the ‘spooky house’). What I would give to have an original Coles Book Arcade ‘tin egg’! I think I definitely have my Dad to thank for my appreciation of Australian history.

More to come…

Featured Gem 19
Real Photo Postcard
‘The odd hat out’

Date: Unknown
People pictured: Unknown
Studio: Westerman, Hebden Bridge & Victoria Rd Todmorden
Postcard Back: blank/unused

Notes: What an interesting bunch and a great addition to my Pierrot/Harlequin inspired images. I wonder who they are and what they were doing? An amateur Pierrot Troupe? I think they’re all women. All in pierrot/clown hats except one. I am not sure they all look entirely thrilled to be in the photo!

Featured Gem 18
Real Photo Postcard
‘The Fairy Float’

Date: Unknown
People pictured: Unknown
Postcard Back: Blank

Notes: Unfortunately I don’t know anything about this photo except that it possibly originated in the USA. The detail on the float is incredible and the costumes and star speckled fairy wings are simply wonderful. The more you look the more you see! See the dog on the front porch? (Don’t forget for a limited time you can see a larger version of the image by clicking the thumbnail in the top right column)

Featured Gem 17
Real Photo Postcard

‘Fairy Royalty’

Date: Unspecified
People: Unidentified
Studio: Unspecified
Postcard Back: Blank

Notes: Ths photograph isn’t giving away its secrets. I don’t know a lot about this image…who are they? Where are they? When was it? This image really is something special and tells a story none the less. I adore the girl’s headpiece with the flowery tendrils. Such magical costumes and such a perfect pose. I also like the tree, shadows and vines on the building in the background.

Featured Gem 16
Real Photo Postcard

‘Seeing Stars’

Date: 1909
People: Unidentified
Studio: Unspecified
Postcard Back: Blank

Notes: I recently purchased a series of twenty odd postcards that had unfortunately already been removed from an old album. Apparently there was a message on the front of the album that read: “To The Mayoress with H Jenkins compliments. 1909 A souvenir of the Childrens Fancy Dress Ball”

Gem Prints: High quality reprints of images featured will soon be available for purchase. If you’ve enquired about previous images, and are patiently waiting for me to get back to you, I will be in touch when I have worked out the finer details!