Raphael Tuck & Sons, London

Raphael Tuck & Sons began publishing holiday cards in the 1870's. They are well-known only after 1880 when they sponsored a prize exhibition to generate publicity and seek new designs for cards. In 1882, the firm commissioned several members of the Royal Academy to design cards, but the cards did not prove to be popular. White writes:

"It would seem that to commission an artist to go out of his way and prepare a scheme for work outside his sympathy is nearly always fatal…Hence…the Royal Academy was commissioned to revolutionize the art of the Christmas card, and failed even to divert its current for a year..."

The Tuck firm became one of the most prolific and prominent publishers of holiday cards. The firm produced cards for Queen Victoria, including lavish 3-dimensional cards for her royal relatives. The firm produced cards for all tastes and pocketbooks, and gave great attention to the verses included on the cards.