Card, valentine card

Valentine's card of embossed lace paper with applied decoration. Comprising a silver lace border with embossed flower decoration and central white cotton panel. Applied decoration comprises an arrangement of white fabric flowers and a paper cupid. The cotton panel is covered with a white fur applied to which is a wicker basket containing fabric and coloured paper embossed flowers.

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.