A Full Circle – The journey through time of the Mackay Family of Heilam Ferry, Loch Eriboll from 1841 - 2014.
The Clearances to the Present Day.
Silk Embroidered Postcards
Embossed Cardboard embroidered postcard ‘ Souvenir from France’
These postcards were produced in France during the 1st World War (1914-1918)
Description embossed cardboard & Embroidered postcard depicting 1918.
Each one of these type of embroidered card would depict the colours and patterns of flags from a various countries including the British, Italian, French, German and American flags. In the text the words ‘SOUVENIR from FRANCE’ above & below 1918.
Embrodered postcards from WORLD WAR ONE are generally known as “WW1 SILKS” They were first produced in 1914 through to 1918 and declined substantially in 1919 onwards and are not found around 1923. The WW1 cards were generally hand embroidered on strips of silk mesh with as many as 25 on a strip.
They were mostly produced by French and Belgium women refugees who worked from home and refugee camps, they sent the strips to factories for cutting and mounting onto postcards. Because of their beauty & uniqueness, the WW1 Silks were popular with British and American servicemen on duty in France. This is why the themes for most of the silks produced, are patriotic and feature British, French and American flags, symbols & greetings
This particular card was written on the 3rd October 1918 and reads..
My Dear Donnie,
just a card hoping it finds you in the best of form. Have had no word from home since I came out, so hurry up and send us a note to say how Your getting on.
Your Brother A.Mackay 225519 (Anson)
This was addressed to:
Mr Donnie Mackay
Heilam Ferry House
Tongue, Lairg
Sutherlandshire
Scotland
Ferry House The ferry ceased operation in the 1890’s when the road around Loch Eriboll was completed. The Ferry House still stands, it was built in 1831.
*Special note
See also DVD of Anson Mackay
Heilam Ferry
British Universities Film & Video Council 1975
20.14.29
A HAPPY XMAS & A BRIGHT NEW YEAR
This postcard was addressed to
Mr.G.Mackay,
Heilam Ferry
Tounge, Lairg
Scotland
From Hugh
This Post Card was embroidered on silk in the style of an envelope with a small card inside
With a beatifull painting of a lady with a basket of flowers, ready “A Happy Christmas”
2014.14.22
Right is Might
Dated 19.07.16
Dear Donnie,
I am sending you this little French PC which I hope will like . I posted a full PC yesterday to say I am well. The weather in fine here now. You might tell Dada that I Haven’t received the peoples journal since I left the 8th Battalion I wondered if the P.I Office) know my new address.
Love from George.
This style of Post Card was embroidered on silk in the style of an Envelope with a small card inside saying RIGHT IS MIGHT no message was written on it.
