These three trade cards show the locality of their businesses. In the case of Ridley and John Lye their own premises do not obviously feature at all, Ridley describing his location as ‘opposite the tree’. St Paul’s Cathedral features in the first two trade cards, used in different ways. While Ridley’s trade card is rather self-effacing, Hitchcock & Rogers’ uses St Paul’s to emphasise the position and size of their location.

John Lye’s trade card has a view of Hastings from the sea, showing some of the 19^th -century town expansion westwards of the old town. The ruins of Hastings Castle can be seen with Pelham Crescent (built 1824-28) below. The colonnaded building in the centre of the crescent is the church of St Mary in the Castle. Robertson Street is not shown. Such general topographical views are also of value to local historians.

John Lye’s porcelain-coated card was engraved (on steel) by C. Robinson of London. The discoloration at the edges is a result of oxidisation and is often to be found on such cards.

JJ Trade Cards 3 (47) Ridley’s

JJ Trade Cards 12 (40) Hitchcock & Rogers

JJ Trade Cards 12 (125) John Lye