Tennyson 1892 Victorian Card Ephemera Wood Engraving Locksley Hall & Idylls For Sale

This is an original piece of Victorian literary ephemera, a commemorative card or booklet cover dedicated to Alfred Lord Tennyson, the Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom during much of Queen Victoria’s reign. The front features a detailed wood engraving portrait of Tennyson, showing his characteristic long hair and full beard, executed in the fine-line style typical of 19th-century printmaking. Above the portrait, the title “LOCKSLEY HALL” appears, referencing one of his most famous poems, while below the engraving his birth and death dates are given: “Born Aug. 6, 1809. Died Oct. 6, 1892.” This date firmly marks the item as produced either in 1892 or shortly thereafter, making it a contemporaneous memorial piece. Two additional major works are listed: “ENOCH ARDEN” and “IDYLS OF THE KING,” followed by the poet’s full name. The reverse side presents an intricate decorative pattern of intertwined green leaves and vines, punctuated by stylized floral medallions, a design characteristic of late Victorian decorative arts and possibly influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement. The engraving and text are printed in black ink on a light cream card stock that has naturally mellowed with age, while the back retains a rich green ink that remains vibrant and well-defined. Condition is good for its age of over 130 years: the wood engraving is sharp and clear, with no significant fading, tearing, or heavy stains visible. Minor edge wear and slight corner bumps may be present consistent with handling, but the overall presentation is strong and collectible. As an authentic piece of original 19th-century print ephemera, this card provides a tangible connection to Tennyson’s literary legacy and the Victorian era’s commemorative culture. Collectors of Tennysoniana, Victorian literature, antique prints, or historical bookmarks will find this item appealing for framing, display, or inclusion in a specialized collection. The works referenced—Locksley Hall, Enoch Arden, and Idylls of the King—represent key phases of Tennyson’s career, from his exploration of modernity and loss in Locksley Hall to the Arthurian medievalism of Idylls of the King. No artist or engraver is credited, and no measurements are available from the provided information. This item is an original not a reproduction, and its region of origin is likely the United Kingdom, where Tennyson spent most of his life and where such memorial cards were commonly produced for the literary market.