The Advent of the Christmas Card

 The first commercially produced Christmas card, designed by John Callcott Horsely, 1843.

It is not surprising that the first Christmas card was produced in the 19th century; Victorians were, afterall, obsessed with cards (calling or visiting cards were a staple in Victorian social society). According to Victoriana.com, the very first commercially produced Christmas card appeared in London, England in 1843. It was designed by John Callcott Horsely, a narrative painter, at the request of Sir Henry Cole. The first printed edition (1,000 copies) were lithographed by Jobbins of Warwick Court and hand-coloured by an artist named Mason. The following year more Christmas card producers appeared and the Christmas card has since become a venerable part of the Christmas tradition.

Today only twelve of the initial 1,000 produced remain. In September 2001 one of these twelve, which had been signed by Sir Henry Cole, was sold at auction for a record breaking £22,250 ($38,700 CAD), making it the most expensive Christmas card in history.

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