Playing cards have been with us since the 14th century, when they first became a part of popular culture. Over the centuries superb artwork, graphic design and self-expression has been hidden within packs of cards. Here we bring to light and admire these miniature treasures.

History Topics

Antique playing cards reflect past eras and ways of life. So what do the oldest surviving playing cards look like?

Antonio Monasta

Sicilian playing cards by Antonio Monasta, probably 17th century.

South German Engraver, c.1496

The cards are decorated with birds, animals, plants, cavorting children and other miniature creatures.

Naipes Artiguistas

Naipes Artiguistas, Entre Rios (Argentina), 1816

Lyons Pattern

Having its origins in the 17th century, this example shows the Lyons pattern in its final state, before it became obsolete after around 1780.

Editor's Picks

Playing cards have enormous educational value, with a long history and many diverse types and graphical styles from around the world...

Brussels Euro Joker Club '98

Brussels Euro Joker Club's 10th Anniversary deck with artwork by Yvette Cleuter.

Anheuser-Busch Army & Navy

Anheuser-Busch Brewing Association Spanish-American War deck, manufactured by U.S.P.C.C., c.1900

Osram Playing Cards

Osram advertising playing cards printed during the 1930s by Vereinigte Stralsunder Spielkartenfabriken (V.S.S.), Altenburg, Germany.

Warburg Luxus Bridgekort

“Luxus Bridgekort” was designed by Barbara MacDonald for Warburg of Denmark in c.1930, and printed by the Universal Playing Card Co. Ltd.

Humanist Bridge, Müller & Cie

Humanist pack designed by Melchior Annen (1868-1954) and made by J. Müller & Cie (Schaffhouse).

Liebig Beef Extract

Liebig issued almost 2,000 different sets of trade cards throughout Europe between 1872 and 1974.

Manufacturing Processes

Innovations in printing technologies have impacted the appearance of playing cards and the transfer of culture. In its technical presentation and aesthetic aspect a playing card remains a faithful reflection of the period which produced it.

Making Cardboard

The manufacture of the cardboard used for playing cards contains a number of interesting processes

Rotxotxo Workshop Inventory

Rotxotxo Workshop Inventories, Barcelona, 1660-1797

Playing cards have been associated with gambling and anti-social behaviour leading to their being demonised by church preachers. They have been used for educational purposes, to assist with learning. They have been used for fortune-telling or divination. In Victorian family circles card games were enjoyed by the fireside. They even relate to key areas of our school curriculum!

You will discover something interesting here... from what the earliest playing cards looked like to how to make your own hand-made pack. Whether we consider them as a game or an artefact, as merchandise or something which unites people, there is a fascination in the imagery, the tactile pleasure, neat symmetries and quirky symbols.