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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 of a grey kitten with a red rose between its teeth, a Hallmark Card made in Great Britain, 1961. Given to Jennifer Leaver (nee Davies) on her fifth birthday.
Physical description
Colour printed birthday card. Image on front depicts a cat with a pink rose in its mouth. Inside the card is another picture of the cat, with the rose in front of it. There are also printed and handwrttien greetings inside the card. One sheet of card folded into four.
Dimensions
  • Height: 12.2cm
  • Closed width: 9.9cm
  • Open width: 19.8cm
Marks and inscriptions
  • 'For Your Birthday' (printed on front)
  • 'A little birthday car I got / Because I like you such a lot / And 'cause I hope your / special day / Is extra nice in every way' (printed inside card)
  • 'TO JENNIFER / LOVE FROM UNCLE ALB' (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.415-2010

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Record createdJune 23, 2011
Record URL
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