Hair-Raising Victorian Valentine Card Revealed

As far as Valentine's Day cards go, this hair-raising declaration of affection ranks as one of the worst. One can only wonder how the sender’s object of affection reacted when they read the message: "For The New Woman! With St. Valentine's Heartiest Greetings and Best Hopes that she will receive another (moustache) - With A Man Attached."

For attached is the sender's special personal touch - facial hair stuck on the card to resemble a moustache.

The Victorian declaration of love, which dates from around 1900, has gone on display at York Castle Museum to celebrate the most romantic day of the year.

"The Victorians were not the prim and proper lot they are often made out to be - they loved the curious and bizarre as much as we do today. It just wasn't shown in public as much," collections facilitator Faye Prior said.

"But even for them this card is remarkable. Whoever thought it was a wise idea to send a card with real moustache hair on?

"The card has certainly amused everyone at the Castle Museum - even if it is a bit insulting nowadays. I certainly wouldn't want to be the receiver of this card."
The card was printed by and copyrighted to Angus Thomas, London, but apart from that very little is known about it.

Other much more romantic cards from the period are also available to view in the reception of the museum until Monday.

In total, more than 600 Valentine's cards are in the collection, including the oldest-known example, which dates back to 1797.

The public are also being invited to use Facebook and Twitter to share their thoughts on the card and their own worst Valentine's Day gifts.

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