Léonard Biermans
21: Belgian Makers: Brepols and Biermans
-
by Ken Lodge
Brepols started making playing cards in 1826, although he had been in the printing trade since 1800. In 1833 the firm was called Brepols & Dierckx (the former's son-in-law). Biermans (1875-1970) was a relatively late arrival on the Turnhout playing card scene.
A Todos Alumbra
-
by Simon Wintle
40-card "A Todos Alumbra - Naypes Refinos" pack manufactured by Léonard Biermans, Turnhout, c.1880.
Biermans for the Estanco de Naipes del Peru
-
by Simon Wintle
Standard Genoese pattern with French indices made by Biermans for Cigarrillo Holiday and the Estanco de Naipes del Perú.
Biermans Genoese pattern
-
by Matt Probert
Biermans Genoese pattern for Clayson agricultural machinery, late 1960s.
Cartes de Luxe (1877) facsimile
-
by Simon Wintle
‘Cartes de Luxe’ first published by Biermans in 1877 was reproduced in facsimile by Amstel Beer in c.1980.
Léonard Biermans, Turnhout
-
by Simon Wintle
Léonard Biermans had been employed by Brepols from 1871-1874 before opening his own playing card factory in 1875.
Lion Brand No.1492 : Jet Fuel
-
by Matt Probert
Advertising deck for "Jet" fuels, and "Lion Brand" No.1429 manufactured in Belgium by Biermans, 1960s.
Naypes Finos made in Belgium
-
by Simon Wintle
Belgian manufacturers were competing against Spanish makers. Features of the traditional Spanish designs, including many well-known brands, were imitated or plagiarised.
Portuguese Type Cards made in Belgium
-
by Simon Wintle
Portuguese Type Playing Cards made in Belgium, c.1878.