Accept me love or I must wait

Valentine's card, the front formed from embossed and lace paper with classical images. On the central oval plain panel is hand written 'Accept me love or I must wait' and the words 'in 72' have been crossed through. On top of the panel is stuck a coloured 'scrap' of a fox reading a book. The embossed and lace paper has a maker's stamp and the name 'Windsor'.

The introduction of the penny post in 1840 meant sending cards became easier and cheaper. A thriving business developed in central London producing cards and card components. This card was originally in the collection of Jonathan King, a stationer and newsagent who ran his own business making cards on Essex Road.

Victorian Valentine's cards like this could be made from commercially-produced papers. Paper lace was a popular card base and printed scraps would be added to adorn and personalise the cards.