A gift to the one I love very dearly

Valentine's card with embossed and paper lace border coloured lilac and silver. The centre is formed from cotton netting applied to which is an embossed and coloured bouquet of flowers. The message 'A gift to the one I love very dearly' is printed on the inner sheet and shows through the cotton netting to the outer cover.

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.