Something I hope you'll never wear

Valentine's card with embossed and lace paper border. Stuck to the central panel a pair of red cotton velvet breeches and a 'scrap' garland of flowers. The wording 'Something I hope you'll never wear:' is handwritten above the breeches which flap down to reveal the words 'Breeches of promise'. Although love was a dominant theme for Valenine's cards, insulting and comic cards were also common.

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.