Frumpy Collection

New Woman Poster ?1896
The New Woman: a bookish frumpy young woman in plain clothes & monocle sits on a stool surrounded by improving books. She also smokes judging by the cigarette in the corner

Old Lady Shoppers
Three old ladies walking home through the winter fog with their shopping

Comic postcard, Woman kneeling in bed, praying for a man Date: 20th century

Comic postcard, Chauffeur and seaside landlady Date: 20th century

Comic postcard, Daughter describes her date to her mother Date: 20th century

Comic postcard, Woman and council official Date: 20th century

Comic postcard, Man and seaside landlady Date: 20th century

Comic postcard, Man and boarding house landlady Date: 20th century

Comic postcard, Woman and door-to-door salesman Date: 20th century

Comic postcard, Two women discuss romantic encounter Date: 20th century

Comic postcard, Two women argue in street Date: 20th century

Comic postcard, Socially superior - two women Date: 20th century

Comic postcard, Woman and plumber Date: 20th century

Comic postcard, Woman going out to a dance Date: 20th century

Comic postcard, Two women discuss chauffeur Date: 20th century

Comic postcard, Bride and groom leaving church Date: 20th century

Comic postcard, Mother and daughter discussion Date: 20th century

Comic postcard, Mother and daughter discussion Date: 20th century

Comic postcard, Old maid saying her prayers Date: 20th century

Comic postcard, People sleeping on the stairs at Weston-Super-Mare. Date: 20th century

Comic postcard, The Old Maids Prayer Date: 20th century

Comic postcard, Stone Age attractions Date: 20th century

Comic postcard, Middle-aged spinster and doctor Date: 20th century

Comic postcard, Jims girl and my girl compared Date: 20th century

Comic postcard, The shortest prayer on record - A man, Amen! Date: 20th century

Comic postcard, Butler and his masters wife Date: 20th century

Comic postcard, cockerel chasing hen across the road Date: 20th century

HIKING FASHIONS 1926
Feminine rambling fashions of 3/4 length tweed or checked skirts worn with matching or contrasting jackets. Stockings or ankle socks are worn with various styles of shoe. Date: 1926

Comic postcard, Mother and daughter at station
Comic postcard, Mother giving her daughter advice as she is about to leave on a train Date: 20th century

Comic postcard, woman and policeman in a street -- Could you see me across the road, Mr Policeman? -- Why, bless yer Mum, I could spot you a mile off. Date: circa 1900s

Swedish Frocks 1927
Rather matronly low waisted dresses: two with pleated skirts, also a two-piece dress with blouson top, an open robe in a bright pattern & a blue dress with a tiered skirt. Date: 1927

Woman in evening dress standing by a fireplace. Date: circa 1920s

Young woman with a terrier in a garden
Young Edwardian woman with a terrier in a garden. Date: circa 1906

To dress extravagantly in war is unpatriotic, WW1
To dress extravagantly in war is unpatriotic. Three unattractive older women passing a war poster. By George Belcher, RA (1875-1947)

Pea Pickers
A scene in the Essex fields, showing green peas being picked, sacked and weighed, ready for market, England

Efficient Typist
An efficient typist or secretary working at her desk

Frenchwomen C. 1805
Coloured slippers, white gown with ruff & patterned border, robe with low, V corsage & embroidered hem, green robe with white puffed sleeves, high ruff & kashmir shawl

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"Frumpy: A Glimpse into the Quirky Humor of 20th Century" Step back in time with these vintage snapshots that capture the essence of "frumpy, " a term that perfectly encapsulates the fashion, social interactions, and everyday life of women in the 20th century. In the late 19th century, a New Woman Poster from 1896 boldly challenged societal norms, depicting women breaking free from traditional roles. Fast forward to the 1940s, where old lady shoppers could be seen browsing through quaint bookshops filled with literary treasures. Comic postcards became popular during this era as well, offering humorous glimpses into various scenarios. One such card portrays a woman kneeling in bed, fervently praying for her dream man to come along – an amusing reflection on romantic aspirations. Another comical scene unfolds between a chauffeur and seaside landlady; their interaction elicits laughter as we imagine their quirky encounters by the shore. Similarly, a daughter describes her date to her mother on another postcard – highlighting how generations navigate dating experiences differently. The humor continues with a comic postcard featuring a woman engaging in witty banter with a council official. These light-hearted exchanges were commonplace during this period when bureaucracy often clashed with individuality. Seaside escapades take center stage again as we witness yet another amusing encounter between a man and seaside landlady at boarding houses - reminding us of simpler times spent by sandy shores. Door-to-door salesmen also make an appearance on one postcard; it captures both frustration and amusement as they try to convince skeptical housewives about their products' worthiness. Two women discussing romantic encounters showcase differing perspectives on love while two others argue passionately amidst bustling streets - illustrating that even frumpiness couldn't dampen spirited debates among friends or strangers alike. These captivating glimpses into yesteryears remind us that humor transcends time and trends.