We love...The Donald McGill Museum

Who knew postcards could be so controversial… So saucy, raunchy and naughty! And yes, perhaps, just a little offensive.

The Donald McGill Museum in Ryde, Isle of Wight, is dedicated to the works of cartoonist Donald McGill, who created over 12,000 picture postcards between 1904 and 1962. It’s in the grand tradition of British seaside postcards – bulbous, dominatrix-type women standing over skinny, red-nosed men in bowler hats or striped swimsuits. Prudes and raving liberals need not apply.

Almost every inch of the museum display boards, walls and cavernous ceiling is plastered with postcards. Categories include “Knocking the Church”, “Knocking the Scots” and “Mother’s Ruin”, to name a few, but the most interesting section is that dedicated to the 300-plus postcards “disapproved” by the local Censoring Committees. In 1954, McGill was prosecuted under the 1857 Obscene Publications Act, which was meant to preserve the morals of the nation by preventing the publication of material that could possibly corrupt a minor. Ooh err missus!

Nowadays, you’re less likely to be corrupted by the flashes of flesh and enormous bosoms and more shocked by the stereotypical characters and the sexist innuendo. Double entendres never tire though!

While you’re there, have a cuppa in the Orrery Café that fronts the museum. I spent as much time in there gazing up at the mural covered ceiling as I did in the museum. Vividly painted Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass characters represent astrological signs, with Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum as Gemini and the feline Cheshire Cat as Leo. A moving model of the universe hangs beneath.

All in all, it’s a disorientating experience slap bang in the middle of Ryde’s high street. Unexpected, and all the more “brillig” for it.

For more ideas on what to see and do while you're on the Isle of Wight, Check out our guide. 

Blogger: Emma Field, Editor

Born in Berkshire, bred in the Cotswolds and adopted by North Devon. A self-confessed overland travel geek, I’d rather take the most offbeat form of transport available, from unicycles to steam trains.

Disclosure: Emma visited The Donald McGill Museum as part of a hosted trip by South East Tourism, in December 2011.