The Art & Design of Playing Cards
The playing card calls for artistic treatment and although the constrained size imposes some limitations there is an almost bewildering wealth and variety of designs in playing cards and their tuck boxes. The serious player requires design to be unobtrusive so that aesthetic considerations remain in the background. However, with modern manufacturing technology more eye-catching designs are becoming popular as gifts, collectibles and for their attractive appearance.
Salvador Dalí
Based on the standard French ‘Paris’ pattern, Dalí composed his playing card figures out of geometric shapes, like a surrealist tapestry, but retaining the traditional aspects of playing card design.
Secretos de Oriente
Secrets of the Far East playing cards featuring the designs of Violeta Monreal , Spain, c. 1991.
Seoul Tower Hwatu
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by Simon Wintle
This special ‘Hwatu’ card set has all the traditional 48 flower cards given a modern graphic treatment.
Shakespeare by Piatnik
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by Matt Probert
‘Shakespeare’ playing cards by Piatnik designed by the British actor Donald Burton.
Shakespeare Playing Cards
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by Simon Wintle
Shakespeare Playing Cards pack published in the 1890s with original paintings are by John H. Bacon.
Shakespearean
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by Simon Wintle
Shakespearean Playing Cards designed by Frederick Colin Tilney, made by John Waddington Limited, 1932-3.
Sherlock Holmes
Sherlock Holmes deck with caricatures by Jeff Decker published by Gemaco Playing Card Co. 1989.
Simultané
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by Simon Wintle
Simple geometric forms with an inner life and poetry emanating from the richness of colour, the musicality of rhythm, the vibrant breath of the execution...
SiRen International
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by Matt Probert
“SiRen International” playing cards based on traditional style of Indian miniature painting, 1998
Smart Set 400
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by Rod Starling
The “Smart Set 400” brand with named backs was introduced in c.1906 by the Kalamazoo Playing Card Co. in Michigan. Kalamazoo subsequently merged with the Russell Playing Card Co. in around 1913 or 1914. Thereafter the “Smart Set 400” series continued to be published by the Russell Playing Card Co.
Tales from the Stage
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by Rod Starling
"Tales from the Stage" - an article about theatrical playing cards by Rod Starling