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The earliest printed Christmas card, 1843
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The earliest printed Christmas card, 1843
3478774 The earliest printed Christmas card, 1843; (add.info.: Sir Henry Cole of London conceived the first Christmas card in 1843. Cole commissioned his friend, artist John Calcott Horsley, to design a holiday card that would replace his seasonal task of writing many letters. Horsley, a future member of the Royal Academy, illustrated a festive Victorian family flanked by charitable images of feeding and clothing the poor. He framed his design with twisted branches of wood and ivy, added A Merry Christmas And A Happy New Year To You, and included name spaces for the sender and recipient..); Universal History Archive/UIG
Media ID 38316480
© Universal History Archive/UIG / Bridgeman Images
1840s Announcement Announcements Celebrating Chiristmas Chistmas Christmas Card Christmas Eve Christmas Time Festivals Merrie Christmas Merry Christmas Message Messages Messenger Yuletide Festivities
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the earliest printed Christmas card from 1843, a groundbreaking creation by Sir Henry Cole of London. In an era when handwritten letters were the norm for holiday greetings, Cole commissioned his talented friend, artist John Calcott Horsley, to design a festive card that would save him time and effort. The result was a charming depiction of a Victorian family surrounded by images of charity towards the less fortunate.
Horsley's intricate design featured twisted branches of wood and ivy framing the joyful scene, with the heartfelt message "A Merry Christmas And A Happy New Year To You" elegantly displayed. The inclusion of spaces for both sender and recipient names added a personal touch to this innovative holiday tradition.
As we gaze upon this historical artifact, we are transported back to a time when sending Christmas cards was a novel concept that would soon become widespread around the world. This image serves as a reminder of the power of art and creativity in spreading joy and goodwill during the festive season. Let us cherish this glimpse into the past and appreciate how far we have come in sharing love and warmth through simple gestures like exchanging holiday cards.
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