Love is on the wall in a new temporary exhibition at Cliffe Castle Museum.

Valentines traces the history of love tokens through a colourful display of cards from the Shell Art Collection.

Cards from the past 100 years feature pressed, fabric and paper flowers, lacy cut-outs, feathers and cupids.

Themes of romance and sentiment, liberal use of satin ribbons and gilt cupids contrast with satirical cartoons and cruel verse expressing the bitterness of lost love.

The Shell Collection is one of the foremost collections of 20th century advertising art, and is linked to the famous petrol company.

The company started producing Valentine cards from 1938, including witty jokes and rhymes on motoring and petrol themes.

The company tradition continued until the 1970s when women no longer appreciated being singled out as "lady motorists".

Valentines runs until March 10. Cliffe Castle is open Tuesdays to Saturdays 10am-5pm and Sundays noon-5pm. Phone 01535 618231.