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Birthday Card

1959 (printed)
Artist/Maker
Sharpe's Classic (printed)
Place of origin
England (printed)

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
Children & Childhood
Greeting Cards
Object type
Birthday card
Materials and techniques
colour printed card
Brief description
colour printed birthday card with a cartoon illustration of a dog dressed as a postman delivering birthday cards. Printed in England by Sharpe's Classic, 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 portrait format. The front of the card has a cartoon illustration of a dog dressed as a postman delivering birthday cards. The card has printed and hand written messages.
Dimensions
  • Width: 13.3cm
  • Height: 16.4cm
Marks and inscriptions
  • HELLO! HAPPY BIRTHDAY (on the front of the card)
  • Happy Birthday / dear little one! / Bunnies are hurrying down the lane, / To say 'Happy Birthday' again and again, / To bring yopu our love, and presents too, / And a birthday cake / Made just for you! (printed inside)
  • To Jennifer, / wishing you a happy birthday, / love Yvonne & susan / xxxx (hand written on the back)
  • CHIMES trade marx / B79
  • 17/4 / PRINTED IN ENGLAND
  • This postman brings good wishes, / Just as many as can be, / For lots of fun and happy times / to someone who is THREE! (PRINTED INSIDE)
  • To Jennifer, / With lots of love / from / Auntie [Bessie?]
Credit line
Given by Jennifer Leaver
Object history
colour printed birthday card with a cartoon illustration of a baby mouse in bed with a bird. There is an owl looking in from outside the window. Made in England, 1959. Given to Jennier Leaver (nee Davies) on her third birthday.
Subject depicted
Birthday
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
Young V&A Collection
Accession number
B.376-2010

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Record createdFebruary 16, 2011
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O1192969/birthday-card-sharpes-classic/
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