Juan Roura, Barcelona (1872 - 1962)
Juan Roura produced a range of popular designs including Catalán, Castilian and Cádiz patterns for domestic use exportation.
After the Spanish Civil War (1936-40) only three or four Spanish playing card makers remained: Fournier, Comas and Roura. Fábrica de Barajas Juan Roura produced a range of popular standard designs, including Catalán and Castilian type packs, plus Cádiz-type models for exportation to Philippines and Latin America. Brand names include Dos Mundos, La Flor, La Hispano-Americana, La Legitima Loba, La Yegua and El Toro. Bridge / Poker decks were sometimes only given a number, such as Nº 15, 55, 305, 505, etc. Roura also produced children's card games. Juan Roura worked in Barcelona at Calle Nápoles no. 113 until acquired by Heraclio Fournier in 1962.
Catalan type pack No.32
Above: Catalan type pack No.32 by Juan Roura, Barcelona, c.1932 see more►
Catalan pattern
Above: Catalan type "Naipes Finos de Una Hoja La Hispano-Americana", manufactured in Barcelona by Juan Roura, c.1935. The ace of coins has a mural crown of the Second Spanish Republic. This design was used, with slight modifications, over several decades see more►
Castilian style No.21 “Hispano Americana”
Above: Naipes Finos No.21 "Hispano Americana", in the Castilian style, by Juan Roura, Barcelona, c.1940 see more►
Cadiz style “Dos Toros” brand for exportation
Above: Naipes "Dos Toros", in the Cadiz style, produced for export to the Philippines by Juan Roura, Barcelona see more►
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.
Activity for Juan Roura, Barcelona (1872 - 1962)
Sign in to comment or save this article.
Related Articles
José Maria Durán
Spanish Catalan pattern by José Maria Durán, Barcelona, c.1870.
XV Century Spanish-suited playing cards
XV Century Spanish-suited playing cards with moorish influences
Vicente Gombau y Labad
Elegant fantasy designs by Vicente Gombau y Labad (Madrid), 1861.
Heráldica Castanyer
Spanish Catalan pattern No.6 by Heráldica Castanyer, Sabadell (Barcelona), c.1980.
Mas-Reynals Catalan Pattern
Mas-Reynals standard Catalan pattern comes in several slightly different versions.
Artistas del Cine
Advertising pack designed by J. Passos and first printed by Cromografía Irández, Barcelona, c.1926. ...
Torras y Sanmartí
Torras y Sanmartí y Cía, Barcelona, 1830.
Catalan Playing Cards
With a distinct history stretching back to the early middle ages, many Catalans think of themselves ...
XV Century Catalan playing cards
XV Century Catalan Playing Cards, featuring four female Sotas, four Aces and four cards from the sui...
Vic Joc de Cartes
Vic Joc de Cartes, happy families quartet game, 1990.
Gothic Spanish-suited cards
These cards may be a typical example of early 'standard' Spanish playing cards, maybe from before Co...
Heraclio Fournier S.A.
Founded in 1868, today it is part of Cartamundi.
Fagoaga y Compañía (Casa Bertrand Domec), Buenos Aires, c.1970
Playing Cards Imported into Argentina by Fagoaga y Compañía (Casa Bertrand Domec), Buenos Aires, c.1...
Spanish Playing Cards ~ La Baraja Española
Spain has played a pivotal role in the history of playing cards in Europe and Latin America.
Spanish National Pattern
Probably originating in Spain in the seventeenth century or even earlier, this pattern became strong...
Naipes Finos No.21
Naipes Finos No.21 "Hispano Americana", in the Castilian style, by Juan Roura, Barcelona, c.1940.
Juan Roura, Cadiz pattern
Cádiz type playing cards made by Juan Roura for export to Spanish-speaking countries.
Juan Roura No.32 Catalan pattern
Juan Roura No.32, with advertisement for Cervezas Damm, c.1932.
Juan Roura Catalan
Catalan type by Juan Roura, La Hispano-Americana, Barcelona (1872 - 1962).
A Moorish Sheet of Playing Cards
This article was originally published in “The Playing-Card”, the Journal of the International Playin...
Most Popular
Our top articles from the past 60 days
