Cards on Cards (E.H. Locker)

Some packs are so unusual and so original that they defy categorisation. Such is the case here. This is a reproduction of a unique pack thought to be by Edward Hawke Locker (1777-1849) (see the signature and date on the Ace of Diamonds). The figures painted by Locker represent traders and other characters found in the streets and taverns of London in 1799, many in caricature. What makes this pack extra special is the inclusion somewhere on every card of the card it represents, hence “Cards on Cards” – a truly original idea at the time. On most of the court cards, a standard English court card has been placed in a top corner, whereas the pip cards form a part of each picture. The 9 of Diamonds depicts a Scottish Highlander piercing said card – the card traditionally known as “The Curse of Scotland”. The Ace of Spades even has the name of a contemporary maker (Gibson) on it. The original pack used to be in the possession of Sylvia Mann. The reproduction pack has square corners and the backs are blank. Published in an edition of 2,000 packs. See the box►

Above: Cards on Cards (E.H. Locker) published by Edition Leipzig, 1982. Printed by Spielkartenfabrik Altenburg, Altenburg, Germany. 52 cards + 58-page fold-out booklet (half in German, half in English) in drop-lid box. Size: 86 x 125 mm. © 1982 by Edition Leipzig.

• See the booklet►

• Wikipedia: Edward Hawke Locker►