Rectangular postcard depicting the University of Birmingham (Aston Webb Building and Clock Tower). Three portraits overlay the landscape scene: a portrait of the Lord Mayor of Birmingham set in a circle is flanked by a portrait of King Edward VII on the left and a portrait of the Queen Alexandra set on the right. The two royal portraits are set in ovals.

Inscriptions / Translations:  Colour: 'Birmingham University Opened July 7th by Their Majesties King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra'
Black and White: 'Souvenir of King's Visit to Open Above July 7, 09.'

Notes:  These postcards are an example of those produced for the official opening of the University of Birmingham by King Edward VII in 1909. They adhere to the same format with pictures of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra overlaid onto an image of the Aston Webb building. The colour postcard also features a picture of the then Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Sir George Hamilton Kenrick. Picture postcards were a popular souvenir at seaside resorts and from 1894 were permitted to be sent via Royal Mail. This postcard is an example of early colour printing. It was not until 1939 that the colour 'chrome' postcard was solely printed in replacement of black and white.