Card, valentine card

Valentine's card with central satin panel applied to which is an paper cut out coloured illustration of a couple bordered by embossed frame painted silver. The panel has a white lace paper outer border decorated with coloured and embossed paper 'scraps' of flowers and birds.

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.