Information on Loughborough

Love is in the air in Loughborough

Posted on 10/01/2009

Leicestershire Councty Council Community Services

9 January 2009

Love is in the air in Loughborough

Charnwood Museum is looking beyond the cold of current January days to the heart-warming traditions of Valentine’s Day.

The museum is hosting an exhibition of traditional Valentine’s cards, starting on Saturday, January 10.

More than 100 Valentine’s cards can be seen in the exhibition which runs until Sunday, March 1.

From the simple designs of the early 1800s to elaborately decorated Victorian cards of satin, feathers and lace, from the witty to the corny, and the romantic to the downright insulting, there is a card for everyone.

Before 12 days were knocked off the British calendar in the 1750s, February 14 used to be a little less wintry than it is today. Traditionally, it was the day when it was believed that the birds began to nest.

Gifts have been exchanged on Valentine’s Day since the Middle Ages. In Samuel Pepys’ day ribbons were presented to be worn by the favoured person. However, Valentine’s cards, as we know them today, date from the 18th century and were the ancestors of our entire greetings card industry.

Charnwood Museum is situated in Queen’s Park in the centre of Loughborough. Opening hours are 10am to 4.30pm Monday to Saturday and 1pm to 4pm on Sundays. Entry is free. For further details about the museum’s activities please call 01509 233 754.

Charnwood Museum is run as a partnership between Leicestershire County Council and Charnwood Borough Council.

For further details and photo opportunities please contact Susan Cooke, Keeper of Charnwood Museum on 01509 233737 or email scooke@leics.gov.uk

http://www.leics.gov.uk/charnwoodmuseum