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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 squirrel dressed in a hat and dress with a basket of fruuit and presents. Printed in Great Britain, 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 card has cut out sections on the front and the front image of a squirrel switches in orientation when the card is opened The card has printed and hand written messages.
Dimensions
  • Width: 14.4cm
  • Height: 19.4cm
Marks and inscriptions
  • FOND Birthday GREETINGS / 3 TO-DAY (PRINTED ON FRONT)
  • 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
  • WISHING LOTS OF JOLLY / TIMES, / AND ALL THAT'S BRIGHT / AND GAY, / FOR A DARLING LITTLE / SOMEONE / WHOSE BIRTHDAY IS TODAY! (printed inside)
  • To Jennifer / From Auntie Doris / with love / xxxx
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
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.377-2010

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Record createdFebruary 16, 2011
Record URL
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