093 - The World's First Christmas Card

Image Courtesy of the Southern Methodist University Bridwell Library

John Calcott Horsley, RADesigner and Artist of the First Christmas Card

John Calcott Horsley 1817-1903

When London's John Calcott Horsley invented the first Christmas card in 1843 as a favor to Henry Cole, neither man had any idea of the impact it would have in Britain and later in America. Even the early Christmas card manufacturers believed Christmas cards to be a vogue which would soon pass. They operated on a quick turn basis and did not bother to document the cards they produced. However, the Christmas card was destined to become an integral part of the holiday season. By 1880 their manufacture was big business, creating previously unknown opportunities for artists, writers, printers, and engravers.

The "trick card" was the most popular Christmas card of the Victorian era. While infinite in variety, it always featured some element of surprise. While seemingly simple at first glance, the turning of a page, the pulling of a string, or the moving of a lever would reveal the unexpected, showing the card to be more complex than first imagined.

Pull out flower cards were among the most treasured of trick cards. An example from 1870 is that of red, white and yellow roses encased in a fan shaped handle. Pull the silken thread dangling from the handle and the card opens to twice it's size. Five separate rose petals come into view, each surrounded with lilies of the valley and imprinted with quotes from poets such as Wordsworth and Keats.

Another popular trick card employed the use of realistic reproductions of money and checks. The resemblance was close enough to be deceptive when first opening the card. The "Bank of Love" card was so similar to a real five pound note that it was withdrawn soon after being issued. Cards resembling checks would be issued from 'The Bank of Blessings" for "Ten Thousand Joys." Railway tickets were printed with "Prosperity" being the destination from "All Difficulties," transferable "Only To Old Friends."

"Tab cards" comprise the largest group of trick cards. They consisted of two cardboard sections attached at the edges while a tab between the two enabled a different scene or text to be brought into view when manipulated. One such card considered daring in the late 1880's wished the receiver a "Joyous Yuletide" while featuring a young women whose legs appeared to move as if dancing when the tab was pulled.

Trick cards were among the many Christmas cards the Victorians collected in special scrapbooks. Great enjoyment was found in sharing their cards with family and friends throughout the entire year. Those albums are today what enables us to, glimpse yet another facet of the Victorian world. - The Country Register- by Laurie Nienhaus