Card, valentine card

Miniature sample valentine's card of gilded and lilac embossed lace paper. In the centre is applied a paper coloured illustration of a flower arrangement. Below is applied a paper scrap printed 'Accept this gift & love the giver'. Inside the card is stuck a handwritten price and stock list. Probably written by Jonathan King the sheet lists various used used to decorate valentine's cards together with their prices.

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.