This unusual real photographic postcard shows a group of eleven children dressed in matching sailor-style costumes and posed for a professional studio photograph.
Ten children stand in a line at the back, while two kneel at the front. Their coordinated costumes and carefully arranged pose suggest that the group may have been involved in a theatrical, dance or other stage performance, although neither the children nor the production are identified on the card.
The photograph was produced by Hana Studios Ltd of London, a photographic studio particularly associated with actors, entertainers and theatrical performers during the late Victorian and Edwardian periods and into the early 20th century.
Hana Studios Ltd London
Hana Studios was established in London in 1897 and remained active until 1930. The studio became particularly well known for photographing theatrical personalities and performers.
The National Portrait Gallery holds numerous photographs by Hana Studios, including portraits of actors, singers and other figures from the entertainment world. Its collection demonstrates the studio’s strong connection with British theatre during this period.
That theatrical connection makes the costumes worn by the children on this postcard particularly interesting. They may have been photographed as members of a children’s theatrical or concert party, although without names or further information on the card this cannot be confirmed.
The sailor costumes
Sailor-inspired clothing became extremely popular for children during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Sailor suits were worn as ordinary children’s clothing, but naval-style costumes were also frequently used for theatrical performances and entertainment.
On this postcard the matching outfits, hats and formal group arrangement make the photograph look more like a performance or organised group portrait than an everyday family photograph.
The exact occasion, however, remains a mystery.
Dating the postcard
There is no postmark or handwritten date to provide an exact year.
Based on the Hana Studios attribution, photographic style and children’s costumes, this postcard is likely to date from the early 20th century, probably the 1900s or 1910s.
Hana Studios operated from 1897 until 1930, so a more precise date would require additional evidence such as identification of the performers or the production in which they appeared.
The Hana Studios postcard back
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our Affiliate Disclosure.
The reverse is particularly attractive and makes the publisher easy to identify.
The reverse has a distinctive Hana Studios Ltd printed design, with the studio name incorporated into an elaborate illustrated header. Unlike a standard postcard back, the design makes the photographer immediately identifiable.
The postcard is unused and has no written message, address, stamp or postmark.
There is noticeable age-related foxing, staining and surface wear to the reverse, while the photograph itself has survived reasonably well considering its age.
Are Hana Studios postcards collectible?
Hana Studios postcards can appeal to several different types of collector, particularly those interested in theatrical history, photographic postcards, Edwardian entertainment and early 20th-century social history.
Identified actors and famous performers will generally be more desirable than unidentified subjects. However, unusual costumes, group portraits and distinctive theatrical subjects can also add interest.
This particular postcard has the additional appeal of showing a large children’s group in matching costumes rather than a conventional individual studio portrait.
How much is a Hana Studios postcard worth?
Hana Studios postcards vary considerably in value according to the subject, whether the sitter or performance can be identified, rarity and condition.
Comparable Hana Studios theatrical and portrait postcards are offered by specialist dealers at around £10 and upwards, although asking prices should not be confused with actual sale prices.
For an unidentified Hana Studios children’s theatrical postcard in the condition shown here, a reasonable current value would be approximately:
£5–£8
An identified production or recognised performer could potentially make an example more valuable.
Looking to add to your collection?
Browse the latest vintage postcards we have for sale.
