It is evident from the baby’s long, white gown that this family of four visited a photographic studio in order to commemorate the youngest member’s christening. His or her older brother stands alongside their mother, and in front of their soldier–father. Although the details of the photographic studio are not given anywhere on the postcard, a name and address have been written in black ink on the reverse: ‘Pte Private W George No 20429 / Leigh Road / Chantry / Nr Frome / Somerset / England’. Perhaps he is the soldier–father pictured on the front. || A real photographic postcard || || A photograph of a British soldier and his family || Photograph

A real photographic postcard || There is nothing on the front or back of this real photographic postcard to tell us the identities of those pictured, or where they were photographed. What is clear, however, is that the soldier–father of the two children (whose head-and-shoulders portrait has been inserted top right) was separated from them when his wife took them to a photographer’s studio in order to commemorate the christening of their youngest child. || || A composite photograph of a separated soldier's family || Photograph

This studio portrait has been printed on a postcard back, whose printed information includes the details ‘British Made’ and ‘1045’. A young girl, dressed smartly in white, stands next to her seated mother and in front of her soldier–father. Her mother’s hatpin and jewellery are notable, particularly the brooch pinned to her collar and the heart-shaped locket that hangs below it. The ring on her soldier–father’s wedding finger is also discernible, as is a dark lanyard. His cap badge appears to be that of the Essex Regiment. || A real photographic postcard || || Photograph || A photograph of a British soldier and his family