L. P. Holmblad c.1840
L. P. Holmblad's house pattern used from c.1840. The K♠ carries a harp as in the traditional French-type cards; but the J♠ is sleeping with his arms folded and his shield resting behind him.
Right: an original sketch for the Jack of Spades →
Holmblad's designs gradually evolved away from the traditional French patterns into a Danish ‘House Pattern’. As copper plates wore out, or new lithographic printing processes were introduced, original and distinctive features appear in the re-drawn playing cards. The J♠ has a lowered head and his shield has one Danish lion showing. The Queens are wearing fashionable outfits from the time next →
Above: L. P. Holmblad's house pattern used from c.1840, lithographic printing with stencil colouring, 52 cards. The manufacturer's name can be read down the sides of the J♣. The K♠ carries a harp as in the traditional French-type cards; but the J♠ is sleeping with his arms folded and his shield resting behind him, ready to awaken if there is danger.
REFERENCES
Images courtesy Hans Jørgen Hinrup and historical notes taken from his articles published in The Playing-Card vol.33 no.4 April-June 2005 and vol.31 no.5, March-Apr 2003, IPCS London.
By Simon Wintle
Spain • Member since February 01, 1996
I am the founder of The World of Playing Cards (est. 1996), a website dedicated to the history, artistry and cultural significance of playing cards and tarot. Over the years I have researched various areas of the subject, acquired and traded collections and contributed as a committee member of the IPCS and graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal. Having lived in Chile, England, Wales, and now Spain, these experiences have shaped my work and passion for playing cards. Amongst my achievements is producing a limited-edition replica of a 17th-century English pack using woodblocks and stencils—a labour of love. Today, the World of Playing Cards is a global collaborative project, with my son Adam serving as the technical driving force behind its development. His innovative efforts have helped shape the site into the thriving hub it is today. You are warmly invited to become a contributor and share your enthusiasm.
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