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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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Hunt & Sons

4 Articles

Hunt & Sons (1820-1849) was the first maker to modernise the court card designs with a complete re-drawing.

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Hunt & Sons, 1820-1849

Hunt & Sons (1820-1849) was the first maker to modernise the court card designs with a complete re-drawing.

Hunt & Sons, 1820-1849

66: Adverts and related material 1862-1900

Some further material relating to cards from nineteenth and twentieth century periodicals.

66: Adverts and related material 1862-1900

Transformation c.1880

Transformation playing cards hand-drawn on a pack manufactured by Hunt’s Playing Card Manufacturing Co Ltd c.1880

Transformation c.1880

37: Late 19th Century Card-Makers and Problem Cases

After the Old Frizzle period and the tax was reduced to 3d per pack, from 1862 onwards, a number of makers started up, who hadn't made cards before, although they were part of the paper and pasteboard industry.

37: Late 19th Century Card-Makers and Problem Cases

Hunt & Sons, 1820-1849

Hunt & Sons (1820-1849) was the first maker to modernise the court card designs with a complete re-drawing.

Hunt & Sons, 1820-1849