A brief history of (charming and mean) Valentine's cards | V&A
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Published 2023-02-07
Join Curator Zorian Clayton as he shows us a selection of delightful cards from our Prints collection. As cards were a new phenomena in the 19th century, people went wild for the opportunity to show a special someone that they were fond of them. Ranging from one penny to three guineas (£250 in today's money), take a look at intricate mechanical cards, delicate paper cages, ceramic hearts and ruder 'vinegar valentines' sent between friends – and find out whether the language of love really has changed very much since the Victorian era.
00:00 The origins of Valentine's Day
02.00 Oldest cards
04:13 Novelty designs
06:24 Mechanical cards
08:50 Vinegar Valentines
10:57 The language of flowers (floriography)
13:40 Contemporary ceramic and mosaic Valentines
See objects for yourself in our Prints and Drawings Study Room: www.vam.ac.uk/info/study-rooms#prints-and-drawings…
Find out more in our Print collection: www.vam.ac.uk/collections/print
All Comments (21)
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I really love this occasional series on cards and ephemera - wonderful stuff!
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The, Ah Papa card is poking fun at older men that favour very young girls.... robbing the cradle jokes.
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What a wonderful video! I’m a papercrafter myself so I found this so interesting. So many of the cards are so delicate it’s a miracle they survived.
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Amazing collection and the presenter is so eloquent 😊
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That was really interesting and I learned a lot. I adore those cage valentines and want to recreate one!
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I wonder if the "Snake in the Grass" valentine had a piece of red cellophane with it? It looks double printed much like the disappearing pictures we played with in our 1950's magic kits.
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Wow, they really went all out back then. So unique and intricate
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Well done, Zorian, and V&A on this fantastic video! I loved the history behind the collection. ❤️
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How enjoyable and interesting.👍🏻👍🏻
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I live for your holiday greeting card videos! The people who present them are so sweet too and I love to hear what they personally like or find funny :)
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Thank you for this presentation:I found it to be so informative and entertaining.❤
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Wonderful video about Valentine's cards and traditons , thank you .
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How perfectly lovely! Thank you!
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How lovely these are!
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I ❤ this. Thank you for this sweet video.
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What a gem! Absolutely loved this, thank you!
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Love this presentation! Thanks Zorian
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What a beautiful collection of valentine cards you have and I enjoyed your interesting video. Thank you!
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Beautiful!! Love the perfume and flower cards❤! Victoria and Albert ia really my favorite museum! Happy Valentines!🌹💐🏵️
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Amazing, so anything we do as we make cards…is old not new♥️
