‘Jeu de Cartes 1900’ designed by Marie Christine Schira in the Art Nouveau or Jugendstil style, 1979
Spanish suited playing cards produced by B. P. Grimaud (Paris) for Algeria, around 1910.
Back to the USSR deck featuring communist party leaders and politicians, c.1995
Boulogne-sur-Mer Chamber of Commerce & Industry playing cards illustrated by James Hodges, c.1974.
‘Cartes Imperiales et Royales’ published by B. P. Grimaud & Cie representing imperial rulers and consorts from Austria, England, France & Russia, mid-19th century
“Dames de France” published by J-M Simon based on originals by Armand Gustave Houbigant, Paris, c.1817
Some of the oldest cards still in existence come from France. Much of the early history of cards in France is to do with standard designs and their spread, coupled with a keen sense of economic advantage.
Stylish modern designs by the painter, decorator and ceramist Geneviève Lirola, featuring unity of colours in each suit.
The design is purely 'Parisian' but the colouring is green, red, yellow and black. Belgium has taken this pattern for general use.
‘Glorious Russia’ playing cards made in France by Grimaud, c.1995
Grimaud Spanish pattern, c.1880
Deck created by Matéja celebrating the bicentenary of the birth of Napoleon (1769-1969)
“Jeu de l’an 2” by Grimaud is a facsimile of French Revolutionary cards first published by Veuve Mouton in c.1793
B.P. Grimaud of Paris issued this very ornate costume deck called “Jeu Louis XV No.1502” in c.1895. It has been so popular that it has been re-published on numerous occasions and is still available today in modern re-prints or facsimiles.
“Le Grand Tarot Belline” after drawings by Edmond Billaudot (1829-1881)
Livre du Destin or Book of Fate, printed by B.P.Grimaud, Paris, c.1900. During the the nineteenth century various types of fortune-telling, oracle, Lenormand, sybil and destiny cards became popular.
Livre du Destin / The Book of Fate, c.1900, entire deck (32 cards)
A set of playing cards designed by Julien Lebleu, an original work in the history of Freemasonry. Jeu de cartes conçu par Julien Lebleu, oeuvre originale dans l'histoire de la Franc-maçonnerie.
“Pirates et Corsaires” playing cards illustrated by Jean Bruneau, 1984
A special non-standard pack of playing cards was designed by M. Marie for the maiden voyage of the transatlantic liner S.S. France in 1962.
“Tarot de l’An 2000” designed by Pino Zac, 1981, satirising 20th century life.
One of a series of sumptuous Venice Simplon-Orient-Express playing cards produced by B.P. Grimaud for the VSOE gift collection. The 3/4 length court cards depict people in Oriental costumes.
The images for the cards were inspired by the typical passengers who traveled in luxury style in the 1920s and 30s.
Sumptuous ‘Versailles’ playing cards created by Matéjà and printed by B. P. Grimaud, c.1970
