Be My Valentine - Newton Abbot Museum

By: Isobel Medworth
Added: 13 February 2013

Printed St.Valentines Cards first appeared on the 18th Century as simple sheets with a written verse. Soon afterwards the traditional symbols began to appear -cupid, flowers and hearts. The sending of Valentines cards rapidly increased in the 19th century as improvements in printing techniques and the postal service made it more affordable.

The Victorians developed highly decorative cards using materials such as paper lace, feathers, tiny mirrors and even hair!

These three cards are a family collection from Newton Abbot and are part of the Raymont collection which you will be able to view when the museum re-opens on the 6th of March!