Card, valentine card

Valentine's card of lace paper with applied decoration. Comprising a gilded lace paper border with flower design and fancy edging and a central cream satin panel printed 'Will you be my Wife'. With applied decoration of a sprig of paper 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.