The Birth of the Christmas Card: Sir Henry Cole and John Callcott Horsley

When we think of Christmas traditions, decorating the tree, exchanging gifts, and sending festive cards often come to mind. While the first two traditions have ancient roots, the Christmas card is a relatively modern invention, thanks to the efforts of Sir Henry Cole and his artist friend, John Callcott Horsley. Their collaboration in the 19th century gave birth to a tradition that endures to this day.

The Innovator: Sir Henry Cole

Sir Henry Cole was a man of many talents and interests. Born in 1808, he was a British civil servant, educator, inventor, and museum director. Cole played a significant role in the development of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and was also instrumental in the introduction of the Penny Post in the United Kingdom, which made postal services more affordable and accessible to the general public.

Cole's contributions to society were vast, but his most enduring legacy may be the creation of the Christmas card. In 1843, Cole found himself in a predicament familiar to many today: he was too busy to write individual Christmas greetings to his friends and family. Seeking a solution, he enlisted the help of his friend, John Callcott Horsley, to design a card that he could send to all his acquaintances.

The Artist: John Callcott Horsley

John Callcott Horsley, born in 1817, was a British academic painter of historical and genre scenes. He was known for his detailed and realistic style, which made him a suitable choice for Cole's project. Horsley was also a member of the Royal Academy, where he exhibited his works regularly.

When Cole approached Horsley with the idea of creating a Christmas card, Horsley designed a triptych, a three-panel illustration. The central panel depicted a festive family gathering, with people raising their glasses in a toast. The side panels featured scenes of charitable acts, such as feeding the hungry and clothing the poor, emphasizing the spirit of giving associated with Christmas.

The First Christmas Card

The card designed by Horsley was printed in black and white and then hand-colored by professional colorists. It bore the simple message, "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You." About 1,000 of these cards were produced and sold for a shilling each.

While the card was generally well-received, it did stir some controversy. The central panel depicted children enjoying a glass of wine, which some critics deemed inappropriate. Despite this minor backlash, the concept of the Christmas card quickly gained popularity.

A Tradition is Born

The success of the first Christmas card paved the way for the mass production of holiday cards. By the 1860s, advancements in printing technology made it possible to produce cards more affordably and in greater quantities. Christmas cards became a popular means of spreading holiday cheer and keeping in touch with loved ones.

The designs evolved over time, incorporating religious themes, winter landscapes, and depictions of Santa Claus. The tradition spread beyond the United Kingdom to Europe and North America, becoming a beloved part of holiday celebrations worldwide.

Legacy of Sir Henry Cole and John Callcott Horsley

Sir Henry Cole's innovative thinking and John Callcott Horsley's artistic talent combined to create a simple yet profound way of sharing holiday greetings. Their collaboration not only addressed Cole's immediate need for an efficient way to send Christmas wishes but also laid the foundation for a tradition that continues to connect people during the holiday season.

Today, the Christmas card remains a symbol of goodwill and festive spirit, a testament to the creativity and foresight of Cole and Horsley. Their contribution to holiday traditions is a reminder of how innovation and art can come together to create something timeless.