An expansive archive of approximately 850 loose postcards (including some cut from postcard albums) and three bound albums of 12, 12, and 24 postcards each, respectively, for a total of approximately 900 postcards (including duplicates), showcasing the various pavilions, architectural landmarks, and cultural displays and events from the 1931 fair in Paris, including a number of nighttime views. Most approximately 3 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches. Loose as issued, currently housed in modern albums. Many used, a small percentage written on and/or mailed. Scattered soiling and handling wear, light dust-staining or toning, some trimmed or removed from souvenir albums overall very good. [Paris, circa 1931.].

The Paris Colonial Exposition opened in the Boix de Vincennes on the outskirts of Paris on May 6, 1931. Over the next six months, it is estimated that 7 to 9 million visitors from around the world attended the fair. The government of France brought people from the French colonies to Paris and had them create arts and crafts and perform, against a setting of reproductions of native huts, temples, and other buildings. The French government hoped that the exposition would show the benefits of the French colonial empire and downplayed its own efforts to spread French language and culture abroad, instead focusing on the cultures of the colonies themselves.

Some of the other nations who participated in the fair included the United States, Japan, Italy, Belgium, and other nations showcasing their own colonies. The British Empire had a Palestine pavilion inspired by Rachel's Tomb in the West Bank, which showcased among other things a model of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the Ruthenberg power plant, the city of Tel Aviv, industrial and agricultural goods, decorative arts, and fine arts. The Dutch empire also had a Duch East Indies (Indonesia) pavilion, which notably burned to the ground on June 28, 1931, along with virtually all of the cultural objects displayed inside.

Other noteworthy sites at the 1931 fair included a large-scale replica of the Angkor-Wat temple in Cambodia; a full-scale zoological park full of exotic animals; a roller coaster; a reproduction of George Washington's home at Mount Vernon; a pavilion from the Menier Chocolat company, selling cups of chocolate; the Theatre d'Eau, a monumental fountain and water feature designed by Granet & Expert; a Sudanese mosque; and pavilions with thatched roofs to emulate a native village style.

The fair aided in getting publication for the works of colonial writers, and also created a market in Paris for various ethnic cuisines, particularly from the French colonies of North Africa and Vietnam. Architecturally, some buildings and structures from the fair were preserved or relocated, including the current Cité nationale de l'historie de l'immigration (formerly the Palais de la Porte Dorée), the Pagode de Vincennes, the reproduction of Mount Vernon which was moved to Vaucresson, and the Scenic Railway wooden roller coaster which since 1932 has resided at Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach in the UK.

This remarkable collection of postcards showcases all that the exposition had to offer. Most of the views are architectural, depicting the numerous buildings which were constructed for or used by the exposition. There are a number of nighttime views, and some colorized views as well. The pavilions showcase the work of some noted international architects as well as the various indigenous styles of those countries. A fantastic grouping from a fair meant to show off the French colonial empire of the early 20th century.

Book ID: 53684

Price: $4,000.00