Great Inventions of the Victorian Christmas

Christmas Cards

The Christmas card has been around for Centuries. The first recorded Christmas card was sent in 1611 by Michael Maier to James I and his son Prince Henry. However, the humble Christmas card did not take off until the middle of the 19 Centry, when the first Christmas card of the Victorian age was sent by Queen Victoria. 19th Century

The first Christmas card that led to mass production and widespread popularity. The Christmas card as we know it today, was created by Henry Cole. Henry was born in Bath in 1808, he was a British civil servant.

Sir Henry Cole

Sir Henry Cole, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Cole was an extremely popular member of society. A curse of having so many friends was that he was receiving more letters for the festive season of 1843 than he could keep track of. The number of seasonal letters, as they were known. Had expanded due to the expansion of the British postal system and the introduction of the Penny post. Thus, making it easier for anyone in the land to send post for just a penny to anyone in the country.

The Problem

His correspondence was piling high, and he was beginning to worry greatly about his ability to respond. It was considered very rude in Victorian society not to answer letters. He had an idea how to respond to all of these letters quickly and effectively, he needed a little help from a friend.

The Solution

He approached the notable painter John Callcott Horsely for the illustration of his family toasting people round a table. Leaving a little space to personalize each card, and a caption that read Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you. J.C Horsley signed his work by a little self-portrait and the words xmasse 1843 in the bottom right corner. Some people took exception to the Christmas card as it depicted a young child drinking a glass of wine!

Production

Published by Summerly’s Home Treasury Office, 12 Old Bond Street. Sir Henry had 1000 copies printed and sold at 1 shilling each, which was a lot of money for most. Making them became a luxury only the middle classes could afford. It became a popular pastime of middle-class children to make and send their own cards.  The Children would draw themselves, and send to friends and family members, this was something Queen Victoria also encouraged her own children to do.

Expansion

It was not until the expansion of the printing industry in the 1860’s that Christmas cards became common place, and in 1880 over 11 million Christmas cards were sent.

Here are some examples of the traditional Christmas cards for sale on Amazon:
Traditional Christmas cards