Simpson (Piccadilly) playing cards

When these cards were issued in 1953 (just 8 years after the end of World War II), André François’ designs must have seemed as bold and innovative as the building in Piccadilly housing the business they were advertising. Within white borders where the indices are placed are solid areas of red or black, against which the pips are picked out in white. The Kings are hobby-horses, the Queens hold hand-mirrors, while the Jacks play stringed instruments. The (double-ended) Joker is a jester on a quartered red and blue ground. The Ace of Spades shows the statue of Eros in Piccadilly Circus by night. According to John Berry’s description, a double-ended sketch of the Theatre Royal, Haymarket, seen from St James’ Square, adorns the backs. The cards have yellow edges. They are often to be found slightly bowed.

André François (1915-2005) was a Hungarian-born French artist and cartoonist who notably worked in the atelier of Adolphe Cassandre (1901-1968), creator of a famous pack for Hermès►

Above: Simpson (Piccadilly) playing cards designed by André François and made by Thomas De La Rue, London, UK, 1953. 2 x 52 cards + 2 (identical) Jokers + 1 title card, in slender black box with hinged lid. Size: 58 x 89 mm.

• See the box

The Simpson building in Piccadilly was designed by Joseph Pemberton and opened in 1936. It was then the largest menswear store in Great Britain. Its distinctive non-reflecting concave windows at street level were the first in the country at that time. They have been retained by the current owners, Waterstones, the bookstore chain, as part of what is now their flagship store.

References

Berry, John. The Waddington Playing-card Collection, Part 1, W80.

Fournier Museum Catalogue, Volume I, British Isles 466.