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Birthday Card

1960 (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 showing a girl and boy sitting on a horse in a merry-go-round. Printed in England in 1960. Given to Jennier Leaver (nee Davies) on her fourth birthday.
Physical description
Colour printed card folded in to four sections with a vertical spine and portrait format. The front of the card shows an illustration of a small girl and boy sitting on a horse on a merry-go-round. The title of '4 years old today' is printed in a banner on the top of the merry-go-round. The card has printed and handwritten messages.
Marks and inscriptions
  • '4 YEARS OLD TODAY' (printed on front)
  • 'A special birthday card for you / Because you're FOUR today / And a wish for all the fun and joy / The year can bring your way! / LOTS OF FUN! / GOOD TIMES!' (printed inside)
  • 'To our dear / God. daughter / with fondest love / Uncle Colin / aunty Joy / and Simon / xxx' (handwritten inside)
  • 'Please get Mummy to get you something to would like ' (handwritten inside)
  • 'A Forget-me-not card'
  • '6B88-2C Code 10'
Credit line
Given by Jennifer Leaver
Object history
colour printed birthday card with a cartoon illustration of a girl and boy sitting on a horse. Made in England, 1960. Given to Jennier Leaver (nee Davies) on her fourth 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.382-2010

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Record createdFebruary 16, 2011
Record URL
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