Advent Calendar - 13 December

Every wondered what the first Christmas card was? Wonder no more.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_card#/image/File:Firstchristmascard.jpg

It was commissioned by Henry Cole in 1843, the same year Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol.

1,000 of these Christmas cards were printed, and Cole used as many as he required before selling the rest for 6d (sixpence) each. This price made them a luxury item, unavailable to the working class.

This advert for the card appeared in the Athenaeum paper:

"Just published. A Christmas Congratulation Card: or picture emblematical of Old English Festivity to Perpetuate kind recollections between Dear Friends."

The card was designed by John C Horsley. It was printed lithographically and then hand-coloured.

Originally posted by Rank outsider
Every wondered what the first Christmas card was? Wonder no more.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_card#/image/File:Firstchristmascard.jpg

It was commissioned by Henry Cole in 1843, the same year Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol.

1,000 of these Christmas cards were printed, and Cole used as many as he required before selling th ...[text shortened]... The card was designed by John C Horsley. It was printed lithographically and then hand-coloured.

By the way, does that advert in the Athenaeum remind you of anyone?