Images(2)

A Life on the Ocean Wave

Maker Valentine & Sons Publishing Company Limited (Scottish, 1900 - 1963)

Date1920s

Object number00003015

NamePostcard

MediumPaper

DimensionsOverall: 87 x 140 mm, 1 mm, 0.003 kg

ClassificationsPosters and postcards

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Vaughan Evans

Collections

For sickness and health - medicine in the collection

Terms

DescriptionPostcard titled 'A Life on the Ocean Wave' featuring a cartoon illustration of passengers on an ocean liner suffering from sea sickness. The deck leans to the left due the rough seas and the various passengers proclaim 'Throw Me Overboard Steward', 'Position is Everything in Life', 'Too Full for Words' with the dog saying 'I've Got a Pain'. Published by Valentine and Sons Publishing Company. HistoryWhile luxury cruise liners were a cornerstone of travel in the 1920s, they could not eliminate the experience of seasickness. A source of despair and humour, gaining one's 'sea legs' was an ordeal all passengers had to go through, first class or third. Cruising in the 1920s was for many the ultimate luxurious holiday - certainly embracing the slogan "Getting There is Half the Fun!” With numerous recreational decks to choose from, saloons, dining options and premier service, for those who could afford it, traveling by sea was the epitome of wealth and style. But as this postcard gleefully highlights, money could not always buffer you from the reality of life at sea. SignificanceSeasickness has been a staple of ocean life throughout the ages. As this postcard shows, whatever the vessel, era or passenger class, the rolling motion of the sea is the one great unifier.