This vintage humour postcard features a lively cartoon illustration of a Red Cross ambulance that has broken down, creating a playful and unexpected scene. Humour postcards were a popular part of mid‑20th‑century postcard culture, offering light entertainment and a touch of cheekiness for holidaymakers and collectors.
The Illustration
The artwork shows a comic ambulance with its rear doors open, revealing a pair of bare feet sticking out, a classic exaggerated gag often used in medical humour. The driver stands beside the vehicle, gesturing for help, while the caption delivers the punchline:
“I’m sorry, mate—I’ll have to ask you to give me a shove—as the engine has conked out.”
The bright colours, bold outlines, and expressive cartoon style are typical of humour postcards sold in seaside shops and holiday resorts from the 1950s to the 1970s.
Humour Postcards in Context
Humour postcards formed one of the most popular postcard categories of the mid‑century period. They were designed to be instantly readable, visually bold, and often slightly absurd. Themes ranged from domestic mishaps to workplace jokes, with medical humour forming a small but steady niche.
Red Cross or ambulance‑themed humour cards appeal to collectors who enjoy:
- Humour postcards
- Medical and emergency themes
- Red Cross ephemera
- Mid‑century comic illustration
These cards capture the playful spirit of the era and remain popular for their bold visual storytelling.
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About Bob Wilkin
This postcard is the work of Bob Wilkin, a well‑known illustrator of British humour postcards. Wilkin’s style is instantly recognisable: bold outlines, bright colours, and exaggerated comic situations designed to grab attention at a glance. His cards often feature everyday mishaps, workplace humour, making them popular with holidaymakers throughout the mid‑20th century.
Wilkin produced a wide range of humorous designs for postcard publishers, many of which were sold in seaside shops and gift stalls across the UK. His illustrations capture the light‑hearted spirit of the era, and collectors continue to enjoy his work for its charm, clarity, and classic comic appeal.
Collecting Interest
Humour postcards continue to attract collectors due to their charm, nostalgia, and wide variety of themes. Cards featuring emergency services, especially those with Red Cross imagery, often stand out because they combine occupational interest with comic exaggeration.
This postcard is a good example of how illustrators used everyday situations to create light‑hearted scenes that were easy to enjoy and easy to send.
Value Range
This type of humour postcard typically falls within a general value range of:
£3–£6
