In simple: the designer of the first Christmas card.
John Calcott Horsley (1817-1903) was an English painter, who attended the
Royal Academy of Arts. Most of his artwork featured historical scenes, such as this painting of Mary Queen of Scots:
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| Mary Queen of Scots in Captivity, J.C. Horsley |
Then in 1843, Sir Henry Cole, a British civil servant, commissioned Horsley to design a card for him that he could mail out that Christmas. The card's main image depicts a family sitting down to a meal. But on the sides, scenes depict people providing food and clothes to the poor.
That year, approximately 1,000 of Horsley's cards were printed using a lithograph technique, and were hand-colored. However, they were expensive (1 shilling each) and it took quite a few years for the tradition to catch on.
Amazingly, a few of the original cards still exist:
So, if you are thinking of carrying on a Victorian tradition this Christmas, remember J.C. Horsley and Henry Cole, and send a Christmas card! In fact, you may want to make or buy handmade cards:
Merry Christmas!
Think cards were a great invention - especially at Christmas. It's the time of year all my friends old and new catch up (as I do with them). Look forward to the postman pushing through the door! They're just beginning to do so: and I'm smug, because I sent mine a week ago!
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays - not long now! Isobel from www.ColdhamCuddliescalling.blogspot.com
I would like to learn how to make cards. Everything handmade is soooo much better!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the history of Christmas cards! How interesting!
ReplyDeleteInessa - I agree! I'm actually thinking about making my own...
ReplyDeleteUnique Cozy Treasures - Thanks for the history lesson on Chrismas cards. I have made my own cards many a Christmas and even designed my own wrapping paper. Much fun!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for featuring my Steampunk Christmas card in your wonderful post. As an old paper collector, I would love to get my mitts on one of Horsley's cards!
ReplyDeleteMelissa - I know right! :) They auctioned off several of his next designs as well-sold for about $10,000 each card... too rich for me :)
ReplyDelete