In 2022, we introduced a unique series of greeting cards for children. The Goldcrest Gallery Story Cards use original vintage watercolours from our family archive. These lovely cards each have front and back illustrations from children’s stories. They include both classic fairytales and original story rhymes for children.
Midnight – A Cinderella Story Card
Our first storycard design, ‘Midnight‘, was painted in the 1980s and tells the story of ‘Cinderella’. It was originally created to be a three-dimensional cutout card, with a peephole window to look through. Unfortunately, the artwork had suffered damage, and some parts of it were lost. So the design team at Goldcrest Gallery got to work and began the digital restoration of the pictures.
On the Front…
The illustration for the front of this card is finely drawn in pencil. Thin watercolour washes have been applied over the drawings, using a restricted palette of purple and blue. Darker shades of purple in the foreground are skilfully faded into paler tones as the palace staircase recedes. The purple balustrade in the front balances the magical figure of Cinderella as she runs down the steps. Her beautiful ballgown of pale blue satin has transparent sleeves, lace inserts and frilled underskirts. Long, matching ribbons stream out behind Cinderella as she hurries downstairs. Her pale golden hair shines in bright contrast to all the surrounding blue and purple, surmounted by a sparkling diadem. One of Cinderella’s dainty glass slippers – the key point of the fairy story – can be seen at the bottom of the picture.
Inside the card…
On opening the card, children find a second lovely illustration inside! Part of the palace gatehouse is shown, with steps leading down from the lighted arch doorway. The hands on the clock above stand at midnight: Cinderella has gone, leaving behind one of her glass slippers. Prince Charming is at the top of the steps, looking down at the glass slipper in his hands.
On the back…
Finally, the back of this attractive card has pretty illustrated borders surrounding a précis of the ‘Cinderella’ story. This is written simply enough for very young children to understand. Older children will enjoy reading the story and talking about what happens next.
Goldcrest Gallery Story Cards are lovely gifts in their own right and will make a birthday even more special!
View a selection of our Story Cards here in this curated edit, or visit our Vintage Children’s Cards page for the full range.