William Caxton, England's first printer and publisher, features on this calendar · 90 x 140mm · 1880

A Year in Print: Illustrated Calendars

The calendar has long symbolised the promise of new beginnings, a tradition deeply woven into human history. Beyond their practical function as timekeepers, calendars are cultural artifacts, reflecting the social transformations, technological innovations, and artistic trends of their eras.

The mid-19th century marked the rise of the modern printed calendar, fuelled by advancements in lithography and the advent of mass production. Illustrated calendars began adorning homes, offices, and public spaces, while businesses quickly recognised their potential as marketing tools, commissioning bespoke designs to promote their products and build brand loyalty.

George Ballantine & Son, Tea and Coffee Merchants · 205 x 260mm · 1883

The late 19th century brought a transformative leap with chromolithography, which enabled the creation of vivid, multi-coloured prints. This innovation gave rise to strikingly beautiful calendars, prized not just for their functionality but as decorative treasures, ensuring businesses maintained a year-long presence in customers’ lives.

Cherry Blossom, Bookmark Calendar · 83 x 118mm · 1897/98

During the 1870s and 1880s, the greetings calendar emerged as a thoughtful New Year’s gift. Unlike seasonal cards, these calendars offered enduring value, their intricate designs providing year-round visual delight and becoming cherished keepsakes long after the festive cheer had passed.

Hanging wall-calendars · Little Folks Calendar for 1902 · 87 x 115mm
Happy Days and Many · Calendar top 185 x 234mm · Published by Raphael Tuck & Sons · 1926

A collection of calendars spanning nearly a century reveals a compelling narrative of changing printing techniques and evolving societal tastes. Each piece encapsulates the unique interplay of art, commerce, and daily life, serving as a window into the era that produced it.

Whether used to track appointments or simply admired for their aesthetic charm, calendars remind us of humanity's enduring desire to blend beauty with order in marking the passage of time.

Shelf signage promotion strip · 275 x 85mm · Published by Raphael Tuck & Sons · circa 1920s