Monday, September 19, 2011

Come to the Ball

It is truly interesting what fabulous treasures from the past are left behind.  The British Museum houses many of these forgotten treasures that could have been so easily thrown away in their time. 


When viewing the print above from the screen of a computer, it looks like it could have been any sort of print to be displayed in the home or business of a person willing to spend a few shillings.  However this one is a bit more special.  This print was actually a calling card of Harriet, Lady Bessborough.  One the reverse is an invitation to a ball she was holding.  Whoever she invited must have appreciated the gesture enough to save the invitation many years afterward!

7 comments:

  1. THIS is the reason I'm majoring in museum studies-I love the little oddities that time has kept. Thanks for posting!

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  2. Wow, that's an awesome calling card! Reproductions, anyone? :)

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  3. WOW! What a beautiful and special calling cards.

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  4. How lovely-thank you
    I wonder if Byron was at that very party!

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  5. I need to throw a ball just for an excuse to hand out elegant calling cards such as these.

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  6. What a lovely idea! Really elegant invitation. Thank you for posting.

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