Spencer & Co.

Banyan Tree, Madras

Banyan Tree, Madras

A postcard which represents something of the uneasy relationships during the colonial period. The ancient banyan tree is hemmed in by fencing and benches. Two bearded British men are enjoying a drink under its shade.

Nungumbaukum

Nungumbaukum

Historical records in Chennia mention Nungambakkam as one of the three villages (in addition to Egmore and Chetput) that the British East India Company purchased in 1743 to form the port city of Madras.

A Toddy Shop

A Toddy Shop

"In India, the toddy shop may well be called ‘The Poor Man’s Club’," wrote Mahatma Gandhi in Harijan (1928),"the well- to-do folks have Willingdon Clubs and Gymkhanas of diverse description, to fulfil their instinct of sociability and to give them

A Group of Schoolgirls

A Group of Schoolgirls

A wonderfully hand-tinted postcard by Spencer & Co., with its signature red used with great balance across the girl's clothing. The jewelry makes one wonder whether some of them are really school girls.

Postmarked Kandy, Sri Lanka, 2/11/1907 and sent

Toddy Drawers

Toddy Drawers

Toddy or palm wine as made from sap collected by climbers like this one in little pouches; fermentation was so fast in the humid air that a mildly alcoholic drink could be had in a few hours.

Subscribe to Spencer & Co.