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
Bass & Bass Jeu des Familles
• February 09, 2021 at 08:52pmBass & Bass ‘Jeu des Familles’ made by Franz-Josef Holler, Münich, 1989. Read more →
Gambling and Vice in the Middle Ages Blog Post
• February 09, 2021 at 12:02pmGambling and Vice in the Hours of Charles V: card-playing in the local tavern Read more →
Quinto Centenario del Descubrimiento de América
• February 08, 2021 at 11:39amFifth Centenary of the Discovery of America by Heraclio Fournier, 1992. Read more →
Pato Donald
• February 07, 2021 at 08:08pmDonald Duck card game © Walt Disney Productions, by Naipes Fournier, 1984. Read more →
Bedeutende Erfindungen im Alltag
• February 07, 2021 at 07:28pm‘Significant Inventions in Everyday Life’ quartet game published by Verlag für Lehrmittel, Pössneck, 1979. Read more →
The Bristol Pack
• February 07, 2021 at 03:00pmThe Bristol Pack, an exhibition of playing cards designed by Bristol artists, 2005. Read more →
Irish Legendary
• February 06, 2021 at 12:15pmIrish Legendary deck featuring figures in the Legends of Ireland, designed by Rachel Arbuckle, 1990. Read more →
“Deck with French suits”
• February 05, 2021 at 05:32pmA facsimile of an early 19th century French-suited deck from the collection of F.X. Schmid. Read more →
Zooloo Misfitz
• February 04, 2021 at 07:19pmZooloo Misfitz card game designed by George Lambert for C.W. Faulkner & Co, c.1907. 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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