Not currently on display at the V&A

Birthday Card

1959 (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 birthday card with a cartoon illustration of a duck on a raft. Made in England, 1959. Given to Jennier Leaver (nee Davies) on her third birthday.
Physical description
Colour printed card folded in to four sections with a vertical spine and a portrait format. The front of the card shows a cartoon illustration of a chick on a raft. Inside there is another chick with a pop up beak carrying some flowers. The card has printed and hand written messages.
Dimensions
  • Width: 13.8cm
  • Height: 16.4cm
Marks and inscriptions
  • HAPPY BIRTHDAY / TO YOU / 3
  • LOTS OF PRESENTS / PLENTY OF FUN / HAPPY BIRTHDAY / LITTLE ONE (printed inside)
  • To Jennifer, with love from / Auntie & Uncle Mackie
  • CHIMES trade marx / B79
Credit line
Given by Jennifer Leaver
Object history
Colour printed birthday card with a cartoon illustration of a duck on a raft. Made in England, 1959. Given to Jennier Leaver (nee Davies) on her third birthday.
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.374-2010

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Record createdFebruary 16, 2011
Record URL
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