THE humble Christmas card became the focus of a protest in London last week as members of the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (MFPA) demonstrated in Trafalgar Square, urging the British public to back their Christmas campaign “Don’t Text It, Post It”.

With higher postage costs and a younger generation that has grown up using digital and social media for everyday communication, the tradition of sending Christmas cards is at risk of becoming lost. The greetings card has been at the heart of Christmas celebration for around 150 years and recognition of the threat to this established festive tradition prompted the group of artists to join forces to share their message of concern.

Last Wednesday’s demonstration, featuring Alton-based artist Tom Yendell, alongside colleagues Vanessa Haarhoff, Mojgan Safa, Andy Baker and Leanne Beetham, was captured by esteemed photographer and artist Fenton Bailey. It aims to highlight the important and emotional role real Christmas cards play in bringing great joy to close friends and family and to draw attention to the fact that a single card says so much more than a 100 megabyte text or e-card ever can.

The demonstration coincides with the release of the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists’ first ever UK promotional short film, entitled ‘Show You Care, Send a Card’. Created by the MET Film School and featuring three UK MFPA artists – Tom Yendell, Rosie Moriarty-Simmonds and Vanessa Haarhoff – the 60-second film shows the artists painting in their studios and serves to remind the British public of the joy to be found in sending someone a card at Christmas.

A unique artistic co-operative, operating in the UK since 1957, MFPA artists paint with a brush held in their mouth or foot as a result of accident, birth defect or illness that prohibits them from being able to use their hands. Each year, their original artworks are reproduced as Christmas cards and a wide range of other seasonal items. Sales of these products provide them with an income and the means to financial independence. It also enables them to attract new disabled artists and to help develop the artistic talent within the organisation.

Tom, 54, an MFPA artist for 20 years, said of the campaign: “Christmas cards not only represent a tradition spanning generations, but to us artists they represent so much more. The work we do as the MFPA enables us to earn an income from our art, as any other artist would.

“Christmas is the most important time of the year for us and the sale of Christmas cards every year is essential to our financial independence.”

Speaking at the shoot on Wednesday morning, Fenton Bailey, said: “It’s a great pleasure to support this campaign and to work with a group of such empowering talented artists.

“Whether hanging in a gallery or featured on a Christmas card, art should be supported and celebrated. Cards are an integral part of any Christmas and a tradition that should be saved.”