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.

Printed on back of card is 'U.S.A.', it is most likely this card was manufactured 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, Australia / United States of America, 1930 -1960

Card is printed with design of weatherboard house and partly open front door. Window to the right of the door has painted green shutter. Door is framed by pine tree and shrub both covered in snow with snow also lining the path to the door. A Christmas wreath hangs on the door and inside can be glimpsed a poinsettia flower on a polished wood table. The inscription above the door reads: 'It's Christmas.' Inside is printed the inscription: 'When Christmas Day /Is on its way /May its portals of cheer swing wide, /and then may you /Go straight into /A Hapy Christmastide.' Handwritten inscription is: 'Love from Connie'.

Made: United States of America; 1930 - 1960


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

Printed on back '56050 U.S.A.'.
'It's Christmas.' Inside is printed the inscription: 'When Christmas Day /Is on its way /May its portals of cheer swing wide, /and then may you /Go straight into /A Hapy Christmastide.' Handwritten inscription is: 'Love from Connie'.

2004/90/3

1930 - 1960

135 mm

219 mm