Fournier “El Fundador”
The cards shown here were originally printed in 12-colour lithography and published by Heraclio Fournier in 1888.
Inspired by the work of Bernhard Dondorf of Germany, Don Heraclio Fournier diligently developed his playing card printing technology and earned exhibition gold medals. Several early packs feature his portrait accompanied by a display of gold medals on the Ace of Coins. The cards shown here were originally printed in 12-colour lithography and published by Heraclio Fournier in 1888.
The firm was renamed Viuda e Hijos de Heraclio Fournier (1912-1931) and production continued under that name. The Five of Swords has the exportation tax stamp from that period. The Four of Coins shows a picture of the playing card factory. The deck was also re-printed in 1998 to celebrate the firm's 130th anniversary.
Image Credit:
Richard Giorgio
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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