During the process of amassing the Penarth Dock Collection of documents and postcards over the past 60 years or so, I came across a number of postcards which have a reference printed at the bottom right corner consisting of the initials 'M.J.R.' followed by a number. Subsequent research revealed that these are the work of a prolific photographer who was active in the South Wales area during the period just after 1900 to around 1910.

I found out more about the man and his work and felt that a chapter should be devoted to his work around Penarth, Cardiff and Barry. Read more about Martin J. Ridley in Dock Family Histories. Where possible I contrast these postcards with the original glass-plate photographic works from the collection of those deposited at the National Library of Wales.

◊ Swanbridge, Penarth - A favourite postcard view of mine. [Ridley 1579]

◊ Pleasure Steamer - 'Ravenswood' - Cardiff - A postcard view of the P. &  A. Campbell paddle steamer nearby Pier Head, Cardiff taken during the first decade of the twentieth century. [M.J.R. B.5842]