The Christmas card is said to have been invented by Sir Henry Cole in London in 1843. He commissioned the artist, J.C. Horsley, RA, to design the first card. However the expense of postage meant that it was not until the 1860s that the idea of sending a card as a simple token of friendship at Christmas caught on. It is significant that the new 'Christmas' cards had few religious references. Most depicted holly, mistletoe, Santa Claus, bells, robins and narrative scenes of snow-clad festivities and children opening their presents. In Australia, the same symbolism was adopted despite the difference in climate. However in the 1880s two Sydney printers -- John Sands and Gibbs, Shallard & Co -- began to produce 'thoroughly Australian cards'. Although these images of kangaroos, Aborigines and gum trees enjoyed some popularity European images persisted as is very evident in this collection. Of the five cards one depicts a snow covered doorway, another a fountain and swallows, a home made one has an American Indian tee-pee and a fir tree, a fourth features chickens and the Chinese card has a lantern supported by a dragon.

It is not known who produced this Christmas card however it was probably produced between 1930 and 1960.

The card was sent to the Sing family who lived at 10 Smith Street, Surry Hills. The donor discovered the cards when they bought the house and wrote 'the family were obviously wealthy at the turn of the century [1900] and ran a business of some sorts.'

Christmas card, sent to the Sing family, Surry Hills, paper, New South Wales, Australia, 1930 - 1960

Folded printed card with design of bird bath surrounded by flowers and swallows swooping down. Inscription: 'Christmas Greetings'. Interior has printed inscription: 'Christmas Greetings and ALL GOOD WISHES FOR YOUR HAPPINESS IN THE COMING YEAR'. Handwritten (twice) is message: 'To Grandma and Aunt Irene from Mervyn & Yvonne'. In pencil on the back is a stylised clock face.

Made: Australia; 1930 - 1960


Owned: Surry Hills, New South Wales; 1930 - 1960

'Christmas Greetings'. Interior has printed inscription: 'Christmas Greetings and ALL GOOD WISHES FOR YOUR HAPPINESS IN THE COMING YEAR'. Handwritten (twice) is message: 'To Grandma and Aunt Irene from Mervyn & Yvonne'.

2004/90/2

1930 - 1960

116 mm

165 mm