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. All over the world, whatever language is spoken, their significance is universal. Their popularity is also due to the imaginative artwork and graphic design which is sometimes overlooked, and the “then & now” of how things have changed.
Latest Articles
Schwarzer Peter no.964
• March 16, 2021 at 10:57pmSchwarzer Peter no.964 published by Josef Hohlweg, Vienna, early 20th century. Read more →
Counties of Britain
• March 16, 2021 at 07:21pmCounties of Britain by John Jaques & Son Ltd. c.1930. Read more →
Pin-up deck no.5513 Blog Post
• March 07, 2021 at 07:15pmCelebrity Pin-up deck no.5513 by unknown publisher. Read more →
Alice
• March 07, 2021 at 11:49amAlice with artwork by Jesús Blasco, published by Lo Scarabeo, 2003. Read more →
Radio Banker
• March 02, 2021 at 06:11pmRadio Banker by John Waddington Ltd for Marconiphone Co Ltd. Read more →
Tout Est Bien Qui Finit Bien
• March 01, 2021 at 07:48pm‘Tout Est Bien Qui Finit Bien’ family card game by Dondorf. Read more →
Pulp Pin-Up
• February 28, 2021 at 03:15pmClassic 1940s Pulp Pin-Up covers on playing cards from China, c.2010. Read more →
Liberty
• February 28, 2021 at 12:57pmLiberty playing cards designed by Antonella Castelli, published by Lo Scarabeo, 2003. Read more →
Il Circo
• February 27, 2021 at 08:02pmIl Circo illustrated by Jules Garnier, published by Lo Scarabeo, 2004. Read more →
William Tell
• February 26, 2021 at 06:42pmFacsimile of Swiss William Tell deck from c.1870 published by Lo Scarabeo. 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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