Valentine's cards

A modern day Valentine's card

The first Valentine's cards were sent in the 18th century.
Initially these were handmade efforts, as pre-made cards were not yet available. Lovers would decorate paper with romantic symbols, including flowers and love knots.

Insulting card

It was in Georgian Britain that pre-printed cards first began to appear.
In the 19th century it became easier than ever to mass-produce Valentine's cards, which soon became popular.

A Victorian Valentine's card

Not all Victorian Valentine's cards were so romantic, some cards had insults.