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During World War II many foods were rationed, making it difficult to buy enough ingredients to make cakes.

Food rationing began in January 1940, with butter and sugar. Margarine, fresh and dried eggs and dried fruit were soon added, making the baking of traditional wedding cakes nearly impossible.

Friends and family of the bride and groom often helped by putting together their rations to make a simple cake.

Using lots of sugar for icing and decorating the cake would have been difficult, and possibly seen as extravagant and wasteful.

Instead, highly decorated cardboard covers could be made or hired from bakers or caterers to simulate large and lavish cakes.

This cardboard cake was made in Birmingham and used at a wedding on 4 February 1944. It is decorated with fabric and plaster bells and flowers.