William Lyon

Based in Glasgow, Scotland.

Born in 1845 in Troon, Ayrshire, William Lyon displayed early artistic talent. In 1867, following his marriage, he relocated to Glasgow. By 1868, he was listed as a stationer in the Post Office directory, expanding his services in 1869 to include die-sinking and crest embossing.

By 1871, Lyon's business had flourished, employing a staff of one man and nine girls in Sauchiehall Street. Over the years, Lyon's stationery enterprise continued to evolve. By 1885, he had established a presence with a shop at 389 Sauchiehall Street, a printing factory across the street at 474 Sauchiehall Street, and a retail branch in the Argyll Arcade.

Notably, Lyon revolutionized the stationery industry by introducing private Christmas cards, departing from the traditional slip-inset method. This innovation propelled demand, necessitating the expansion of Lyon's operations with the opening of his factory.

In 1888, Lyon showcased his diverse offerings, including visiting cards, at an exhibition, boasting a three-minute production service. By 1898, Lyon's commitment to progress was evident with the adoption of telephone communication at his factory.

Continuing to expand, Lyon operated four shops by 1900, strategically located across prime retail areas in Glasgow. In 1905, Lyon further consolidated his presence by establishing a shop at 177 Sauchiehall Street, later acquiring adjacent premises to form Lyon Corner.

By 1910, Lyon restructured his business as Lyon Ltd, entrusting its management to his eldest sons. Tragically, William Lyon passed away in 1913, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.

In 1922, Lyon Ltd showcased its diverse range of products at the British Industries Fair, highlighting its premier series of cards, invitations, stationery, and silk pincushions, reflecting Lyon's enduring influence on the stationery and publishing industry.

For more information, see https://undividedbackpostcard.com/directory-l/#Lyon

Check these postcards from this publisher:

Joseph's Coar

Not much is known about this Glasgow landscape artist. W Milne Black was known to have designed some comic postcards.

A caricature of a woman with a huge Jewish nose which is out of propertion with her features. Also shows Yiddish accented English, 'mein gracious, can'd you wride'. This displays the stereotype of a Jew with a huge nose as well as not being able to speak English properly.

What is the Jewish nose or the Hooked nose

The term 'Jewish nose' or 'hooked nose' is a harmful stereotype perpetuating a perceived physical trait associated with some Jewish individuals, suggesting a prominent or curved nose shape. However, it's crucial to emphasize that stereotypes are inaccurate and offensive. Stereotypes only fuel prejudice, discrimination, and bias. Jewish people, like any other group, display a diverse range of physical characteristics. It's essential to promote understanding and respect for diversity rather than perpetuating harmful assumptions based on physical appearances. Stereotypes have no basis in science or fact and should be actively discouraged and challenged.

Deltiology

Artist: Frederick Leopold Cavally
Publisher: F.A. Moss
Printer:
Date: 1909

Part of the F.A Moss reminder series 6538


#postcards #JewsAreDifferent #comic #JewishNose #jewNose

The postcard bears the inscription, "France! The Jew! Here is the enemy!" It is an anti-Semitic illustration portraying a grotesque Jewish figure entering France, following its destruction of other European nations, or control over other nations. This monstrous caricature controls both the press and the justice system, while clutching sacks of money. Above its eyes, the word "Talmud" is prominently featured. The postcard depicts various so-called assets associated with Jews, including ownership of railroads, with city names encircling the monstrous figure, and a Jewish figure above, holding bags representing various companies. There is also an inscription for "Panama". What had Panama got to do with the "Jews are the enemy" statement?

The Panama Scandal of 1893

The Panama Canal Scandal marked a notorious episode within the French Third Republic, resulting in significant losses for many investors. In 1893, the revelation of corruption involving prominent political and financial figures within the Panama Canal Company led to a distressing period where some publishers unjustly scapegoated Jewish individuals. This came on the heels of the Dreyfus Affair which erupted a year later.

On February 4, 1889, the Tribunal Civil de la Seine issued an order for the liquidation of the Panama Canal Company in Paris. Work on the Panama Canal project came to a halt, and a court-appointed liquidator undertook the task of preserving the existing infrastructure, tools, and machinery. Over the following years, substantial losses were incurred due to the humid and warm climate of the Panama area. The French government, reluctant to accept takeover offers from various American companies it deemed inadequate, prolonged the liquidation process.

The extent of the bankruptcy became evident by 1892, leaving approximately 800,000 French citizens in financial ruin. These citizens had invested in the company's stocks, bonds, and shares.

In 1893, numerous ministers faced allegations from French nationalists, accusing them of accepting bribes from Ferdinand de Lesseps in 1888 to facilitate the stock issuance. This led to a corruption trial against Lesseps and his son Charles. Members of parliament were implicated in receiving bribes from the Panama Canal Company to conceal its true financial status. 

This scandal left an indelible mark on the development of French antisemitism, as it involved two individuals of German-Jewish heritage, Baron Jacques Reinach and Cornelius Herz. While they were not part of the bribed Parliament members or the company's board, they were entrusted with the distribution of the bribe funds. Reinach operated covertly as a financial adviser to the government and managed its interactions with the Panama Company. Herz, on the other hand, was Reinach's contact within the radical faction, but his duplicitous dealings and blackmail ultimately drove Reinach to take his own life. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panama_scandals

Deltiology

Artist: Possibly: Adolphe Willette
Publisher: The Grand Orient de France (GODF), Lyon, France
Printer:
Date: Circa 1900