The Beggars' Opera Playing Cards, 1730

he Beggars' Opera Playing Cards were first published in c.1730. The cards carry the words and music of the songs from Gay's opera, which was intended as a parody of current Italian works. The music was taken from many popular tunes of the day.

The cards were printed from copper plates, with the red suit symbols being applied later by stencil. The court cards contain interesting miniature versions of the standard full-length figures used on playing cards at the time.

A facsimile of the pack is part of a range published by Harry Margary. See also: South Sea Bubble.

Cards from the facsimile edition courtesy Giles de Margary.
Packs can be ordered directly from www.harrymargary.com