This creation was made from snippets of a Scribner’s Magazine (Dr Hammond’s Tonic) from the 1890’s, a vintage diary and a vintage post card from 1911.

“The Universal Tonic…Cats!” is made from both sides of British postcard to Mrs. Carter from Ethel Fowler. Ethel seems to be consoling Mrs Carter on her ill health, planning to visit soon. She offers her regards to Mr Carter too. It was sent from Ethel thru the Brockley Post Office, the London Borough of Lewisham, South Eastern area, to her friend in Brockley, in 1911. Ethel must have been a fan of the feline, hoping these kitties would be the Universal Tonic to make her friend better. I must agree!

“The Universal Tonic” is done on a 6” wooden panel with a hook for hanging, no framing required. Actual pieces of a 1890’s Scribner’s magazine, post card (separated to show both sides), King George Half Penny postage stamp and a vintage diary are used for this piece (no scanning or reproductions used).