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Birthday Card

1958 (printed)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Jennifer Leaver has kept every single birthday card she ever received and she has given the Museum the first eighteen years worth. Jennifer was born in the mid 1950s and the collection provides a snapshot of the changing designs of cards during this period of change and development in the history of childhood. It is fascinating to observe different trends dependent on the age Jennifer was in each particular year. The cards demonstrate the interests of a girl growing up at this time, from cute and cuddly animals to parties and music.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
colour printed card
Brief description
colour printed card with a cartoon illustration of two bears preparing for birthday celebrations with flowers and a card and, inside the card, a cake. Printed by Sharp's Classic, England. Given to Jennifer Leaver (neé Davis) on her second birthday, 1958
Physical description
Colour printed card folded into 4 sections with a vertical spine. There is a cut out section in the front of the card that corresponds with an open door in the front illustration. The front of the card has a cartoon illustration showing one bear coming through the front door holding some flowers and another bear inside the house picking up a birthday card. Inside the card another picture of the two bears shows them celebrating with a big cake and balloons.
Dimensions
  • Width: 14.6cm
  • Height: 15.3cm
Marks and inscriptions
  • HELLO! / 2 YEARS OLD / HAPPY BIRTHDAY (printed on the front of the card)
  • WISHING YOU A / Happy Birthday / WITH / LOTS OF LOVE / These merry little Teddy Bears / Are happy as can be / And here they are to bring for you / Such a big, big wish from me (printed inside the card)
  • Sharpe's Classic / MADE IN ENGLAND (printed on the back)
  • C42/EA/7 (printed on the back)
Credit line
Given by Jennifer Leaver
Object history
One of 269 cards donated by Jennifer Leaver (née Davies) that have been given to her on her birthdays from 1-18 from family and friends.
Subject depicted
Summary
Jennifer Leaver has kept every single birthday card she ever received and she has given the Museum the first eighteen years worth. Jennifer was born in the mid 1950s and the collection provides a snapshot of the changing designs of cards during this period of change and development in the history of childhood. It is fascinating to observe different trends dependent on the age Jennifer was in each particular year. The cards demonstrate the interests of a girl growing up at this time, from cute and cuddly animals to parties and music.
Collection
Accession number
B.365-2010

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Record createdFebruary 15, 2011
Record URL
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