Playing cards have been with us since the 14th century, when they first entered popular culture. Over the centuries packs of cards, in all shapes and sizes, have been used for games, gambling, education, conjuring, advertising, fortune telling, political messages or the portrayal of national or ethnic identity. Their popularity is undoubtedy due to the imaginative artwork and graphic design which is sometimes overlooked, and the “then & now” of how things have changed.
Latest Articles
Naval and Military Families
• July 30, 2020 at 08:00pmNaval and Military Families produced by Prince and Princess Louis of Battenberg, printed by Ernst Nister of Nuremberg, c.1905-10. Read more →
Ups & Downs
• July 27, 2020 at 09:28amUps and Downs humorous card game published in UK by A. N. Myers, c.1885. Read more →
Avilude or Game of Birds
• July 26, 2020 at 10:37amAvilude or Game of Birds published by West & Lee, Worcester, Mass, c.1880. Read more →
Round the World Families
• July 20, 2020 at 09:23amRound the World Families published by the London Missionary Society, c.1945. Read more →
Blue Brand Snap Up
• July 17, 2020 at 12:49pmBlue Brand Snap Up published by Van den Berghs probably late 1920s. Read more →
Mr Bok
• July 15, 2020 at 12:15pmThe Merry Game of Mr Bok and his Happy Families, promoting Bok furniture polish, 1930s. Read more →
Inspector
• July 15, 2020 at 11:36amInspector card game published by W F Jackson & Sons, 1940s. Read more →
National Gallery (Dutch School)
• July 10, 2020 at 11:45amNational Gallery (Dutch School) published by J. Jaques & Son, c.1895. Read more →
Trades People Happy Families
• July 04, 2020 at 02:37pmHappy Families card game depicting trades people from 1920s. Read more →
La Mariée du Mardi-Gras
• June 29, 2020 at 07:37pmLa Mariée du Mardi-Gras, published by Jeux et Jouets Français. Paris, early 1900s. Read more →
Editor’s Picks
Playing cards have enormous educational value, with a long history and many diverse types and graphical styles from around the world... View More →
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