Christmas time is nearly upon us and it’s the time for sending cards to friends, family and loved ones but have you ever thought about the origin of the humble Christmas card?
It was in 1843 that Sir Henry Cole, who was a civil servant at the time, started the custom of sending Christmas cards. He was intrigued by the ‘Public Post Office’ and wanted to bring this to the ordinary person.
The first card design consisted of three panels. The two outer panels depicted the poor being cared for whilst the middle panel showed the scene of a large family Christmas dinner. The Christmas dinner image caused controversy at the time as it pictured a young child taking a sip of wine. Sir Henry and his artist friend had the idea of the Christmas card. The first cards were sold for 5p each in today’s money.
In 1860 the printing processes were vastly improved, therefore Christmas cards became much more popular making them more accessible to the working people.
In late Victorian times it was robins and snow scenes that became popular. The craze hit America in the late 1840s, however, they were expensive which made them unpopular. It wasn’t until 1875 that Louise Prang, originally from Germany, started mass-producing cards therefore, more people could afford to buy them. Prang’s early designs featured botany and children. It was in 1915 when John Hall established Hallmark Cards with two of his brothers. Hallmark is still one of the biggest makers of cards today.
In the 1910s and 1920s it was a trend to make your own cards, cut in unusual shapes and included foil and ribbon. These were delicate so usually hand delivered.
Today, cards have many designs including jokes, winter pictures and romantic scenes.
Merry Christmas to you all from Reform Creative and enjoy your festive season.
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www.reformcreative.co.uk | 0161 236 0054
An award-winning designer who has had work published in the most coveted D&AD annual. Educated to degree level with a BA (hons) in Design. Paul has 20 years in the design industry. Paul brings with…
