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Birthday Card

1961 (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 an illustration a black horse dressed with ribbons and accessories, made by Hallmark Cards, 1961. Given to Jennifer Leaver (nee Davies) on her fifth birthday.
Physical description
Colour printed birthday card. Image on front depicts a large red '5' and a circus horse adorned with ribbons and bells. There is a slot on the front where the front of the horse is put through. Inside the card, the back of the horse can be seen wth a monkey holding a cake riding on its saddle. Printed and hand written greetings printed inside.
Dimensions
  • Height: 13.6cm
  • Closed width: 10.8cm
Marks and inscriptions
  • 'HELLO, / 5 YEAR OLD!'' (printed on front)
  • 'This brings five times / the wishes / That cards most / usually do, / 'Cause it's for someone / FIVE years old / And that, of course, means you! / HAPPY BIRTHDAY' (printed inside card)
  • 'Happy Birthday Daughter / Dear - with love / and kisses / from Daddy / xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx' (hand written inside card)
Credit line
Given by Jennifer Leaver
Object history
One of 269 cards donated by Jennifer Leaver (née Davies) that have been given to her on her birthdays from 1-18 from family and friends.
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.412-2010

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Record createdJune 23, 2011
Record URL
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