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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.

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pirates

9 Articles

Famous Pirates

Playing Cards of Famous Pirates, 2012.

Famous Pirates

Corsaires et Flibustiers

“Corsaires et Flibustiers” playing cards created by G. Delluc and published by Éditions Philibert, Paris, 1958.

Corsaires et Flibustiers

Ship Sails

“Ship Sails” card game c.1885.

Ship Sails

Pirates et Corsaires

“Pirates et Corsaires” playing cards illustrated by Jean Bruneau, 1984.

Pirates et Corsaires

Highwayman

The game of “Highwayman” published by Chad Valley Company in c.1950 simulates travelling on old Coach Routes and being held up by highwaymen.

Highwayman

Poker Faces by Alex Elsen

Poker Faces playing cards were illustrated by Alex Elsen and published by Verlag Um Die Ecke, Germany, 2015

Poker Faces by Alex Elsen

Seven Seas Playing Cards

The deck is about the dichotomy of a life at sea. Exploring famous sailors, explorers, pirates, and privateers of the age of sail.

Seven Seas Playing Cards

Steampunk Pirates

The deck has been inspired by pirates and swashbuckling and the world of Steampunk, a science-fiction realm of steam-powered machinery, intricate cogs and gears.

Steampunk Pirates

Pirate Playing Cards

A recurring motif is the symbolism of life and death, playfully rendered in these marvellous cards, including plenty of sabres and skeletons!

Pirate Playing Cards