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
Toledo, 1584
• March 23, 2021 at 06:56pmArchaic Spanish-suited deck with 48 cards made in Toledo in 1584. Read more →
The Art of Pin-Up decks Blog Post
• March 22, 2021 at 03:38pmArt and Sensuality in Pin-up playing cards. Read more →
Portraits of a Lady
• March 21, 2021 at 07:05pmPortraits of a Lady by Lo Scarabeo, 2003. Read more →
French for Fun
• March 19, 2021 at 09:09pmFrench for Fun instructive card game published by John Jaques & Son Ltd., c.1930s Read more →
The Most Popular Card Games in Casinos
• March 17, 2021 at 03:38pmThe Most Popular Card Games in Casinos by Katelyn Oakley. Read more →
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 →
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 →
