Valentine card

George Kershaw, artist

Valentine card, circa 1850

Where object was made: England, United Kingdom

Material/technique: paper; appliqué; embossing

Dimensions:
Object Height/Width (Height x Width): 228.5 x 190 mm
Object Height/Width (Height x Width): 9 x 7 1/2 in
Mat Dimensions (Height x Width): 14 x 11 in

Credit line: William Bridges Thayer Memorial

Accession number: 1928.7086

Not on display

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Collection Cards: Collect

Although it may be coincidence that Sallie Casey Thayer was born on February 14, she included many Valentine’s Day cards as part of her collection. These holiday greeting cards were popular collectible items during her lifetime (1856–1925), but interest continues today for members of the National Valentine Collectors Association and others. In 1915, Thayer purchased several Valentines from a London dealer.

This particular Valentine was designed by George Kershaw, whose cards can also be found at the Art Institute of Chicago. It features the usual lace and flowers as part of its design, as well as an envelope that occupies the center of the card. Around the decorations someone has penned: “Believe my heart will ever prove / Faithful unto thee my love.”

What further message might be inside this card?

Why do you think Valentine cards are often decorated with lace and flowers?

How would you choose to decorate a Valentine?

Do you exchange Valentine cards with friends? If so, do you keep any special ones? What makes them special; the decoration, the message, the person who gave it to you?

Civic Leader and Art Collector: Sallie Casey Thayer and an Art Museum for KU

This particular Valentine designed by George Kershaw, whose cards can also be found at the Art Institute of Chicago, features the usual lace and flowers as part of its design. More unusually, an envelope occupies the center. What further message might be enclosed? Around the decorations someone has already penned: “Believe my heart will ever prove / Faithful unto thee my love.”