Card, valentine card

Valentine's card printed with a hand coloured lithograph comprising three small images of a courting couple, a reclining female in the foreground and a central image of a cherub. A six line verse below the image reads: 'Believe the dictates of a faithful heart, which with great truth my love for you impart, the wanton God his work has amply done, To you I turn as sunflowers to the sun, Tis you must cheer me as thro' life I stray, My Polar star to guide me Night & Day'.

The introduction of the penny post in 1840 meant sending cards became easier and cheaper. A thriving business developed in central London producing cards and card components. This card was originally in the collection of Jonathan King, a stationer and newsagent who ran his own business making cards on Essex Road.