To mark World Postcard Day, celebrated illustrator Axel Scheffler has created a special postcard for The Handwritten Letter Appreciation Society, a group dedicated to preserving the art of handwritten communication.
The postcard, available for download, features Postman Bear, a character from Scheffler’s beloved illustrations, embodying the charm and personal touch of traditional mail.
A Tribute to Traditional Correspondence
Axel Scheffler, known for his illustrations in the Gruffalo series, has designed a postcard to honour World Postcard Day. This initiative, in collaboration with The Handwritten Letter Appreciation Society, promotes the enduring value of handwritten communication.
Scheffler’s design showcases Postman Bear, a character from his work with author Julia Donaldson. This choice symbolises the thoughtful and personal nature of handwritten messages.
The Handwritten Letter Appreciation Society’s Role
Founded in Swanage by Dinah Johnson, The Handwritten Letter Appreciation Society has garnered 1,600 members over seven years. The society’s mission is to keep the tradition of handwritten letters alive in a digital age.
Mr Scheffler, a member of the society for two years, deeply values the personal touch that handwritten correspondence provides. He believes that such forms of communication are akin to ‘a gift in itself’ and cherishes writing letters to friends and family in Germany.
Scheffler’s Personal Connection to Handwritten Letters
Scheffler has lived in England for four decades. His commitment to maintaining connections with friends and family in Germany through letters underscores his belief in the unique value of this form of communication.
In his own words, Scheffler expressed, ‘A postcard or letter is personal and unique – it is like a gift in itself.’ These sentiments highlight the emotional and personal significance of sending and receiving handwritten notes.
The illustrator appreciates the entire process of writing and receiving letters, noting that it brightens the day of both the sender and the recipient. He finds joy in decorating his envelopes, adding to the personal touch.
Dinah Johnson’s Perspective
Dinah Johnson noted Scheffler’s enthusiasm for letter writing, recounting how he approached her to join the society and his delightful habit of decorating his envelopes.
Johnson reached out to Scheffler to create a unique postcard for the society. She remarked on the increasing cost of postage but emphasised the continued popularity and sentimental value of postcards, especially in local Dorset shops.
Challenges and Joys of Handwritten Communication
Despite rising postage costs, the tradition of sending postcards and letters remains a cherished practice for many. Johnson acknowledges the financial challenges but stresses the unrivalled joy and connection that handwritten messages foster.
The society encourages the practice as a means of personal connection in a digital age. Its members share the belief that receiving a handwritten letter provides a special kind of happiness that digital messages cannot replicate.
Availability and Reception of the Postcard
The special postcard designed by Scheffler is available for download on The Handwritten Letter Appreciation Society’s website. This accessibility allows a wider audience to partake in the joy of sending and receiving unique, illustrated postcards.
Members and non-members alike have welcomed the initiative, appreciating the nostalgic and personal touch of Scheffler’s design. The initiative aligns with the society’s mission to keep the tradition of handwritten communication vibrant.
Future of Handwritten Correspondence
The Handwritten Letter Appreciation Society, bolstered by contributions from notable members like Scheffler, continues to champion the value of handwritten correspondence.
The society’s efforts highlight a broader cultural appreciation for traditional forms of communication, fostering a sense of community and personal connection that digital communication often lacks.
Axel Scheffler’s postcard design for The Handwritten Letter Appreciation Society is a heartfelt nod to the timeless charm of handwritten correspondence.
This initiative not only commemorates World Postcard Day but also serves as a reminder of the intrinsic value and joy found in personal, handwritten communication.
