First appearing in the 1840s, Christmas cards quickly became a central element of the Christmas season. Their images demonstrate a complex mix of religious history and secular tradition – many early cards have no religious imagery at all. In recent years, cards have shown considerable stylistic innovation, though the early designs continue to prove surprisingly resilient.

The lecture traces the history of the Christmas card from its beginnings to the present day, with thoughts on its future in a world where digital communication is increasingly the norm.

Lecture by Patricia Andrew

The Arts Society Dumfries and Galloway (TASDAG), formerly The South West Scotland Decorative and Fine Arts Society, was founded in 1991 and is a Member Society of the The Arts Society, whose headquarters are in London.

The Arts Society is an arts based charity founded in 1968 by Patricia Fay, whose aim is the advancement of arts education and its appreciation and the preservation of our artistic heritage.

These aims are promoted by lectures, given by a list of 365 accredited lecturers, on fine and decorative arts in their widest sense including artists and their paintings, sculpture, china, furniture, fabrics, architecture, archaeology, film and media, music, ballet and much more.