First World War Black and White Postcard of the Davies Bryan Buildings Cairo

c. 1915
Overview

A sepia-coloured artistic postcard showing the frontage of a large commercial building. The building sits on a street corner with the front entrance angled to the corner and the building extending both left and right along the streets. There appears to be six stories to the building with the front entrance having a small arch and two small towers at the top. There are advertising signs on the front of the building at different levels. The building has many windows at each level some with balconies. People can be seen in the street in local and western dress. The postcard has some damaged to the left-hand top corner and oil stains on the reverse top. The reverse has proforma printing and description of the image.

Historical information

This postcard depicts the Davies Bryan Store in Cairo (opened in 1910), once known as the ‘pride of Emad Al Din St’ and which in the 1930s became the Cairo branch of the YMCA.

Details

Details

Registration number
cwa-org-12-2022.1.125
Item type
Postcards
Material
Card
Width
74 mm
Height or length
171 mm
Inscriptions and markings

On the image “Y M C A / PENSION / WALES / INSTITUT DENTAIRE / Dr L.M.A. DUPIN / GENERAL DRAPERS” On the reverse in machine printing “ARTISTIC POST – CARD / Serie 638 – The Cairo Postcard Trust – Cairo / Cairo – Davies Bryan Building’s. / 634”

Contextual information

The Cairo Postcard Trust (founded in the early 20th century) is one of the most famous and trusted publishers of vintage Egyptian postcards. These highly collectible, antique photographs and artistic illustrations document the golden age of travel in Cairo, capturing historical landmarks, bustling streets, and the pyramids.

Keywords
First World War
Egypt
Place made
Egypt
Year
Primary significance criteria
Historic significance
Comparative significance criteria
Well provenanced
Google Maps search term / URL
https://maps.app.goo.gl/gWHZtRH1mm24SAjK8
Last modified
Tuesday, 30 June, 2026
Completeness
100
Princess Royal Fortress Military Museum

Princess Royal Fortress Military Museum

Postcard Front
The Davies Bryan Buildings Cairo
Back View
Reverse of Postcard

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