Éditions Philibert
Éditions Philibert published an outstanding series of exotic, artistic playing cards in Paris from 1954 to 1960
Éditions Philibert, Paris, 1954-1960
After World War II the floodgates for imaginative card-making opened (once again). Éditions Philibert published an outstanding luxury series of artistic and sometimes risqué playing cards in Paris from 1954 to 1960, including: Les Mousquetaires, St Hubert's Bridge, Corsaires et Flibustiers, Proverbes, Pierres Precieuses, Paris Scenes, Sirenes, Veronique, Déesses, Can-Can, Le Florentin and Mémoires de Casanova. Cards were produced to a high standard of quality with gilded edges. Many of the decks involve photographs of life models or scenic views; others depict paintings with different scenes at each end.
Designers include Albert Dubout, Eugène Lelièpvre, Gabriel Garachon, Pierre Albarran and Paul-Émile Bécat who produced the artwork, photography or paintings that make these decks so extraordinary, elevating the status of playing cards to minor works of art. In the case of the cards designed by Bécat, their luxurious sensuality and tender intimacy have rarely been surpassed in any other playing cards. The decks were finely printed by Draeger Frères.
Above: “Corsaires et Flibustiers”, 1958 see more →
Above: “St Hubert’s Bridge”, c.1956 see more →
Above: Paris Scenes, 1957 see more →
Above: “France Souvenir” 1957.
Above: “Déesses I” Mythological Story, 1960.
Above: “Déesses II” Mythological Story, 1960.
Above: “Sourires de France” 1959.
Above: “Proverbes II” 1960.
By Simon Wintle
Spain • Member since February 01, 1996
I am the founder of The World of Playing Cards (est. 1996), a website dedicated to the history, artistry and cultural significance of playing cards and tarot. Over the years I have researched various areas of the subject, acquired and traded collections and contributed as a committee member of the IPCS and graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal. Having lived in Chile, England, Wales, and now Spain, these experiences have shaped my work and passion for playing cards. Amongst my achievements is producing a limited-edition replica of a 17th-century English pack using woodblocks and stencils—a labour of love. Today, the World of Playing Cards is a global collaborative project, with my son Adam serving as the technical driving force behind its development. His innovative efforts have helped shape the site into the thriving hub it is today. You are warmly invited to become a contributor and share your enthusiasm.
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