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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 three children surrounded by presents. Printed in England in 1960. Given to Jennier Leaver (nee Davies) on her fourth birthday.
Physical description
Colour printed card folded so that it has a vertical spine and portrait format. The card opens out to reveal a pop out illustration of one girl sitting amongst her presents and a dog playing. The front of the card shows an illustration of a three children playing with a sitting amongst many presents and toys. The girl in the middle is holding two dolls and the boy is playing with a train. There is a large number 4 in the top left corner of the card in gold and red. The card has printed and handwritten messages.
Dimensions
  • Height: 17.3cm
  • Width: 14.6cm
Marks and inscriptions
  • 'YOU'RE / 4 / TODAY/ HAPPY / BIRTHDAY' (printed on front)
  • 'This card is coming just for you / And brings a wish to say / You're wished just lots and lots of fun / Because its your Birthday' (printed inside)
  • 'Many Happy Returns / From Auntie + Uncle "mac"' (Handwritten inside)
  • 'PRINTED IN ENGLAND'
  • '5/0116-6'
Credit line
Given by Jennifer Leaver
Object history
colour printed birthday card with a cartoon illustration of three children surrounded by many presents and toys. 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.386-2010

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Record createdFebruary 16, 2011
Record URL
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