Framed Prints From Mary Evans
Framed Print of First Christmas Card by Sir Henry Cole and John Horsley
Reputedly the first Christmas card, this was designed by Horsley in 1843, and a coloured version sent out by Sir Henry Cole in 1846.
Commissioned by Sir Henry Cole and illustrated by John Callcott Horsley in London on 1 May 1843. The central picture shows three generations of a family raising a toast to the cards recipient: on either side are charity scenes including food and clothing being given to the poor. Allegedly the image of the family drinking wine together proved controversial, but the idea was shrewd: Cole had helped introduce the Penny Post three years earlier. Two batches totaling 2, 050 cards were printed and sold that year for a shilling each, and of those just a dozen are known to have survived.
We are offering reproduction prints of the original design. In 2001 an original version sold for a record 22, 500 pounds sterling at auction in Devizes, Wiltshire, England. After attracting bids from collectors in Britain and America, it eventually sold for the record-breaking price.
The auctioned card was especially sought after because it was sent by Sir Henry to his grandmother and aunt, and signed by the great Victorian.
John Callcott Horsley was an English painter, illustrator, and designer. Born in London on 29 January 1817, he was the grand-nephew of the English landscape painter Sir Augustus Callcott. His sister, Mary Elizabeth Horsley, was the wife of the famous British engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
Horsley studied painting at the Royal Academy where he met the painter Thomas Webster. His paintings were largely of historical subjects set in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, influenced by the Dutch masters Pieter de Hooch and Vermeer. From 1875 to 1897, Horsley was a rector and treasurer of the Royal Academy. Because he was strictly against nude models he earned the nickname Clothes-Horsley'.
Cole is credited with devising the concept of sending greeting cards at Christmas time. Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries. © Mary Evans Picture Library
Artwork supplied by Mary Evans
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Media ID 579216
Victorian Christmas Cards , Historical Greeting Cards
Editors Comments
Introducing the "First Christmas Card by Sir Henry Cole and John Horsley" from our Framed Prints collection. This historical masterpiece, brought to you by Mary Evans Picture Library from Mary Evans Prints Online, is reputedly the first-ever Christmas card. Designed by Sir Henry Cole and John Horsley in 1843, this iconic image was sent out by Sir Henry Cole in a colored version in 1846. Add a touch of tradition and holiday cheer to your home or office with this beautifully framed print, showcasing a piece of history that continues to inspire the spirit of the season.
This artwork is also available as...
Photo Prints - Discover the history of Christmas cards with our Photo Prints, featuring 'First Christmas Card by Sir Henry Cole and John Horsley' from Mary Evans Picture Library. Reputedly the first Christmas card, this 1843 design was later coloured in 1846 by Sir Henry Cole. Order your Photo Prints today for a holiday gift.
Greetings Cards - Discover the origins of Greetings Cards with this historic image, featuring the first Christmas card designed by John Horsley in 1843 and sent out by Sir Henry Cole in a coloured version in 1846. Learn about the evolution of traditional Greetings Cards and their significance in holiday celebrations, perfect for history enthusiasts and collectors of vintage cards.
Photo Mugs - Photo Mug, featuring the historic "First Christmas Card by Sir Henry Cole and John Horsley" image from Mary Evans Picture Library. Reputedly the first Christmas card ever created, this iconic design by Horsley was sent out by Sir Henry Cole in 1846. Bring a piece of holiday history into your daily routine with this mug that shows the detail and colors of this classic image. Perfect for sipping your favorite hot beverage and reminiscing about the origins of this cherished tradition.
Poster Prints - Discover the history of Christmas cards with our Poster Prints featuring 'First Christmas Card by Sir Henry Cole and John Horsley' from Mary Evans Picture Library. This iconic design, created in 1843 by John Horsley, was first sent out as a coloured version in 1846 by Sir Henry Cole. Perfect for decorating your home or office with vintage style Poster Prints.
Metal Prints - Add a touch of history to your home with Metal Prints, featuring iconic images like 'First Christmas Card by Sir Henry Cole and John Horsley' from Mary Evans Picture Library. This renowned artwork is reproduced on durable metal for a long-lasting decorative piece, perfect for art enthusiasts and collectors seeking wall decor.
Canvas Prints - Bring the nostalgia of Christmas past to your home with our Canvas Prints, featuring 'First Christmas Card by Sir Henry Cole and John Horsley' from Mary Evans Picture Library. This iconic image is a piece of history, designed by John Horsley in 1843 and first sent out as a coloured version by Sir Henry Cole in 1846. Perfect for decorating any room, our Canvas Prints are ideal for art lovers and collectors alike.
Cushions - Brighten up your home with our range of cushions, inspired by the magic of the holiday season. This design takes us back to 1843, when Sir Henry Cole and John Horsley created the world's first Christmas card. A timeless piece of history that still brings joy today. Add a touch of nostalgia and warmth to your living space with our cushions.
Mouse Mats - Get into the holiday spirit with our range of Mouse Mats, featuring an illustration of the first Christmas card ever sent. Designed by John Horsley in 1843 and later coloured by Sir Henry Cole in 1846, this iconic image is a lovely reminder of the joy and tradition that comes with the festive season. Add a touch of history and charm to your workspace or home office with one of these mouse mats.
Tote Bags - Start a new tradition this holiday season with our tote bags. Inspired by the timeless charm of history, these designs bring a touch of nostalgia to your daily routine. Featuring an iconic image from Mary Evans Picture Library, 'First Christmas Card by Sir Henry Cole and John Horsley', our tote bags are perfect for carrying all your essentials while spreading joy and festive cheer wherever you go.
Image Download - Download the image of the first Christmas card, designed by John Horsley in 1843 and sent out by Sir Henry Cole in a coloured version in 1846. This historic illustration is available for personal use with a rights-managed license from Mary Evans Picture Library.
Modern Frame 14"x12" (36x31cm)
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Wood effect frame, card mounted, 10x8 fade resistant photo print. Overall outside dimensions 14x12 inches (36x31cm). Environmentally and ozone friendly, 40mm wide x 15mm Polycore® moulding has the look of real wood, is durable and light and easy to hang. Biodegradable and made with non-chlorinated gases (no toxic fumes) it is efficient; producing 100 tons of polystyrene can save 300 tons of trees! Prints are glazed with lightweight, shatterproof, optical clarity acrylic (providing the same general protection from the environment as glass). The back is stapled hardboard with a sawtooth hanger attached. Note: measurements provided are estimated outer dimensions, which include both the image and the frame. While we aim to keep sizing consistent, exact dimensions may vary slightly due to differences in print size or production requirements, which may result in a variation in the overall size (up to approximately 2.5cm (1"))
These are individually made so all sizes are approximate
Estimated Image Size (if not cropped) is 24.4cm x 16.1cm (9.6" x 6.3")
Estimated Product Size is 36cm x 31cm (14.2" x 12.2")
Features In These Collections
> Special Days > Christmas > Christmas Cards
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