John Hinde Postcards of North Dublin Talk – National Heritage Week 2026

Before the 1950s, the quality of colour postcards varied greatly between publishers, largely because of the printing methods available at the time.

John Hinde, an exceptionally talented photographer and a pioneer of colour photography in Britain during the 1930s and 1940s, believed postcards could be much better. By combining outstanding photography, carefully composed images, and the latest printing technology, he transformed the appearance of colour postcards and set a new standard for the industry.

Committed to quality at every stage of production, Hinde established his own printing facility in Cabinteely, County Dublin. There, the entire process, from photographic image to finished postcard, was managed in-house to meet his exacting standards.

The John Hinde Company quickly earned an international reputation for excellence. Postcards and printed materials were produced in Cabinteely for destinations around the world, with finished products exported to countries across Europe and beyond.

This presentation explores the postcards of North Dublin produced by John Hinde and his publishing company. It also includes examples from competing publishers, highlighting the distinctive qualities that made John Hinde postcards stand out from the rest