Political Playing Cards

Political playing cards were introduced in the 17th century providing entertainment by satirising or deriding current events and leaders. Propaganda cards, Imperial decks, war cards and even educational card games all carry a message which relates to the politics of memory, the means by which events are remembered and recorded, the way history is written and passed on. Historical memory can be used to arouse emotional reactions...

Hillary Presidential playing cards, 2008
Hillary Clinton Presidential playing cards for the US presidency in 2008.


History of the Russian Revolution
A pack of playing cards about the Russian Revolution, USA, c. 2021.

House of Cards: Deck of Bush
House of Cards: Deck of Bush playing cards presenting reasons not to re-elect President Bush for a second term, USA, 2003.

House of Commons Playing Cards
House of Commons playing cards designed to serve as a civic guide to the UK Parliament.

Imperial Royal Pack
Imperial Royal Playing Cards published by S. & J. Fuller, London, 1828. The court cards show portraits of historical figures of England, Spain, Turkey and France.

In der Fuehrer’s Face
“In der Fuehrer’s Face” playing cards designed in 1945 by Antonio Arias Bernal, a Mexican artist, but not published until 2002.

International Playing Cards
Designed by Reuben Townroe (1835-1911), the artist who designed the ornamented terra cotta work on the exterior of the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Iraqi Most Wanted Playing Cards
Playing cards used to help troops identify the most-wanted members of Saddam Hussein's government. 2003.


Jeu de la Vme
A political pack designed by Pino Zac and published in 1977 by Editions Arts et Lettres.

Jeu des Quatre Saisons de l’An II
“Jeu des Quatre Saisons de l’An II” facsimile of French Revolution deck originally published by J. B. Debeine (Reims) 1793.

Jeu Quatre Empereurs
Brazilian scenic aces with emperors of Brazil, Austria and France and other dignitaries on the court cards.

John F. Kerry Presidential deck
John F. Kerry Presidential playing card deck in support of his election campaign of 2004.

Joker’s wild: Dubya’s trick deck
“Joker’s wild: Dubya’s trick deck” satirical playing cards published by Seven Stories Press in 2004.



Kaiser Jubiläum
Kaiser Jubiläum Imperial playing cards made in Austria by Ferd Piatnik & Sons, Vienna.

Kennedy Kards
‘Kennedy Kards’ playing cards with satirical portrayals of the Kennedy clan, USA, 1963

Kimberley 1892
William Kimberley applied for a patent in respect of his improved playing cards in February 1892 and his application was fully accepted that year.