Claude Weisbuch
Free reinterpretation of the traditional Paris pattern courts by the artist Claude Weisbuch.
Claude Weisbuch (1927-2014) was a French painter, engraver and book illustrator who often drew inspiration from works by great masters such as Rembrandt and Daumier. That much is evident in his free reinterpretation of the Paris pattern courts in this pack, complete with their traditional names. The first stage was to engrave his designs on copper using the drypoint technique. The central pips on the aces are set on pedestals, while the pips on the numeral cards have a hand-drawn feel. All the designs are set against a buff background. The artist’s initials are featured on the second extra card and on the reverse. See the box►
Above: playing cards designed by Claude Weisbuch, made by Grimaud/France Cartes, Saint-Max, France, 1997. 52 cards + 2 Jokers + 2 extra cards in tuck box. Size: 63 x 88 mm.
Another member of the Weisbuch family, Yves (1941-2019), rescued and ran France Cartes from 1989 to 2005, no doubt facilitating the production of this pack. It appeared in the France Cartes range over a number of years.
By Roddy Somerville
France • Member since May 31, 2022
Roddy started collecting stamps on his 8th birthday. In 1977 he joined the newly formed playing-card department at Stanley Gibbons in London before setting up his own business in Edinburgh four years later. His collecting interests include playing cards, postcards, stamps (especially playing cards on stamps) and sugar wrappers. He is a Past President of the Scottish Philatelic Society, a former Chairman of the IPCS, a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards and Curator of the WCMPC’s collection of playing cards. He lives near Toulouse in France.
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