In the course of the nineteenth century the attitude to children changed. Where previously they had been regarded as miniature adults, now they were individuals with special needs. Not only did they have to be nurtured, they required stimulation and imaginative play through games, special toys, clothing and furnishings. At the same time mass production methods meant there was a whole new 'world of good' on offer to meet these needs.

This invitation comes from a large collection of dress up hats and masks, streamers, dolls, and party toys from a child's birthday party in Sydney in 1929.

This card was created by Frank Payne in Sydney, New South Wales in 1929.

This card was given to Joan and John Kingsbury from Peter and David.

Card, paper, maker unknown, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1929

Rectangular handmade and painted party invitation acceptance card folded in half. The card is cream in colour with a watercolour and ink illustration on the face showing four little children in fancy dress peeping over a picket fence. Inside the card is another watercolour and ink illustration of a row of flowers along the bottom with two children running away from their mothers in the top right hand corner. These illustrations are framed by a thin blue border and in the middle is text. On the back centre of the card is an illustration of an icecream cake on a plate. The card is discoloured around the edges on both the inside and outside.

Artist: Payne, Frank; Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; 1929


Owned: Warrawee, New South Wales; 1929

Handwritten in black ink inside the card is 'DEAR JOAN AND JOHN / WE CAN HARDLY / WAIT TILL SATURDAY / TO COME TO YOUR / PARTY / PETER AND DAVID'.

85/1595-78

1929

112 mm

90 mm