Date of use : 1936, Germany

1936 Düsseldorf Film & Photo Exhibition Cancel

During the first half of the twentieth century photography evolved from a purely technical process into an important cultural and artistic medium. The increasing availability of cameras, the growth of amateur photography, and the use of photographic images in journalism and propaganda contributed to this transformation. Exhibitions dedicated to photography and film technology played a crucial role in promoting these developments. The postcard examined here reflects this historical context through the presence of a special postal cancellation associated with the "Film und Foto" exhibition held in Düsseldorf in 1936.

The postcard bears two circular special cancellation marks. The text of the cancellation reads "Ausstellung Film und Foto," which translates as "Film and Photography Exhibition." The cancellation also indicates the exhibition period 16 May – 7 June 1936. Such special cancellations were commonly used during exhibitions and trade fairs as commemorative postal markings intended to promote the event. The center of the cancellation shows the location Düsseldorf and the date 7 June 1936, which corresponds to the final day of the exhibition.

The postage stamp used on the card belongs to a standard series issued during the German Reich period. The stamp features the portrait of Paul von Hindenburg, who served as President of Germany until his death in 1934. Stamps depicting Hindenburg remained in postal circulation during the early years of the National Socialist regime and were widely used for everyday correspondence during the mid-1930s.

The sender identified on the card is Hellmuth Glasewald, whose address is listed as Gößnitz (Kreis Altenburg). Gößnitz is a small town in the Thuringian region of Germany and historically functioned as an important railway junction between Leipzig and Altenburg. Small towns of this type often had active amateur photography communities during the 1930s, as photographic clubs and enthusiasts became increasingly common across Germany.

The postcard was addressed to Curt Langert, located in Borna, within the Leipzig administrative district, at Pegauer Straße 3. Borna was an industrial town known particularly for its lignite mining industry. The broader Leipzig region was also a significant commercial center in Germany and hosted a wide variety of technical and photographic trade activities. It is therefore plausible that the recipient had an interest in photography either as an amateur photographer, collector, or participant in the local photographic trade.

The 1930s represented a period of significant development in photographic technology in Germany. The increasing availability of compact cameras, including models produced by well-known manufacturers, contributed to the spread of amateur photography. At the same time photography and film became increasingly influential within media, communication, and visual culture. Exhibitions such as the Düsseldorf Film und Foto event provided opportunities for manufacturers, distributors, and photographers to present new technologies and ideas to the public.

From a philatelic perspective the most notable feature of this card is the commemorative exhibition cancellation. Special exhibition cancellations form a distinct category within postal history collecting because they document specific cultural and technological events. The fact that this card was cancelled on the final day of the exhibition suggests that it may have been sent as a souvenir of the event.

This item is documented as part of the Photography in Postal History research project.
For research context, see the Research Methodology.
For academic reference, please refer to How to Cite This Archive.