Hallmark Stages A Christmas Card Exhibition In The Royal Albert Hall

Hallmark is marking the 175^th anniversary since Sir Henry Cole introduced the first Christmas card with a major greeting card exhibition in the Royal Albert Hall, which is running from now until early January.

In addition to introducing the first ever commercial Christmas card, back in 1843, Sir Henry Cole was also a founder of the Royal Albert Hall.

Above: The exhibition canvases look at the decades from 1910 when Hallmark was founded. — **Above:** The exhibition canvases look at the decades from 1910 when Hallmark was founded.

The exhibition illustrates how Christmas cards designs have reflected societal trends and aesthetic tastes over time. In addition to including some original cards from the 1800s from Hallmark’s archives in feature display areas, 26 huge canvases adorn the main corridor of the Albert Hall which wraps around the perimeter of the auditorium each of which is focused on a decade between 1910 (when Hallmark started) and the current day, outlining how Hallmark designs were inspired and influenced by the various art movements.

Above: The Hallmark Christmas card exhibition clads the perimeter wall of the main corridor of the Royal Albert Hall. — **Above:** The Hallmark Christmas card exhibition clads the perimeter wall of the main corridor of the Royal Albert Hall.

Commenting, on the exhibition Amanda Del Prete, Hallmark’s creative and product director told PG Buzz: “Our partnership with the iconic Royal Albert Hall is a great celebration to mark the 175^th anniversary of the very first commercial Christmas card, by Sir Henry Cole. Our exhibition shows the history of Hallmark cards, from 1910 to today and celebrates the evolution of cards over the last 108 years. We are proud to celebrate our Hallmark heritage and share with the public our creative talent in this wonderful snapshot of how trends and culture have changed over the decades.”

Above: The exhibition includes some actual examples of historic Christmas cards. — **Above:** The exhibition includes some actual examples of historic Christmas cards.

The exhibition features Hallmark card designs from every decade since 1910 including the Art Deco looks of the 1920s, the Pop Art style of the 1960s as well as a glimpse of the modern trends of today.

The exhibition can be viewed by the many thousands who will visit the Royal Albert Hall, either on a tour of the historic building or attending one of the many events that will take place between now and the new year.

Hallmark has also created a bespoke Christmas card featuring the Royal Albert Hall which is displayed as part of the exhibition and is also available to purchase exclusively in the shop at the Hall, with all proceeds going to the Royal Albert Hall charity.