Boudoir

Published February 05, 2012 Updated April 28, 2022

“Boudoir” playing cards were introduced by Chas Goodall & Son in 1906 in a new, slimmer size.

1906 United Kingdom De la Rue Goodall Boudoir Pneumatic

Boudoir playing cards

“Boudoir” playing cards were introduced by Chas Goodall & Son in 1906 in a new, slimmer size, measuring only 90 x 57 mms instead of 90 x 63mms. In 1921 the Company was sold to De la Rue, but the Camden Works was kept operational until its closure in 1929. Goodall cards and trade marks continued to be sold under the Goodall label, although manufactured by De la Rue, until De la Rue was blitzed during the war in 1940. Some brands were continued even longer, printed by Waddingtons.

Goodall's Boudoir playing cards

Above: double set of Goodall's “Boudoir” playing cards sealed in the original tax wrappers inside a padded box, c.1930. The gold edges to the cards can be seen at the corners of the wrappers, whilst the name of Thos De la Rue & Co appears on the tax wrappers. The “Boudoir” brand had been acquired when De la Rue took over Goodall & Son in 1921.

During the 1930s identical packs were sold apparantly haphazardly under the De la Rue and Goodall names, with De la Rue and Goodall Aces of Spades and Jokers sometimes used indiscriminately - De la Rue packs with Goodall Aces of Spades and De la Rue Joker; Goodall packs with De la Rue Ace and Joker, etc. In this way various De la Rue and Goodall brands were being sold together, as seen in the advertising leaflet shown below.

publicity leaflet for Pneumatic and Boudoir playing cards, c.1930

Above: publicity leaflet featuring De la Rue's “Pneumatic” and Goodall's “Boudoir” playing cards, c.1930. The “Boudoir” brand had been acquired when De la Rue took over Goodall & Son in 1921.


Goodall's Boudoir playing cards, c.1934

Above: pack of Goodall's “Boudoir” brand playing cards with 'Venice' back design and the Goodall ace of spades and joker, manufactured by De la Rue, c.1934. Courtesy Matt Probert. An alternative design can be noted on the metallic badge. The box quotes the patent number 402534 and the original patent application can be viewed here


Goodall's Boudoir playing cards, c.1935-39

Above: single pack of Goodall's “Boudoir” playing cards with the Goodall ace of spades and joker printed by De la Rue, c.1935-39.

References:

Goodall, Michael H: Chas Goodall & Son: The Family and The Firm 1820-1922, Woking, 2000

avatar
1,483 Articles

By Simon Wintle

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.

Related Articles

1891 Scientific Whist

Scientific Whist

“Scientific Whist” : standard cards with instructions for play on the faces by Chas Goodall & Son, 1...

1985 Agent Provocateur

Agent Provocateur

Branded lingerie collection in a pack of pin-up playing cards.

2021 Nimbus playing cards

Nimbus playing cards

Mike Steer’s weather-themed pack with suits in four colours and backs for cardistry.

2025 Agatha Christie and Playing Cards revisited

Agatha Christie and Playing Cards revisited

Agatha Christie uses card-play as a primary focus of a story, and as a way of creating plots and mot...

2006 The Decadent Deck

The Decadent Deck

Studies in the eroticism of the female body by Inge Clayton.

1893 Historic Shakespeare

Historic Shakespeare

“Historic Shakespeare” playing cards featuring Shakespearean characters by Chas Goodall & Son.

1925 Copechat Paramount Sorting System

Copechat Paramount Sorting System

Preserving the past: a specimen deck showcasing edge-notched cards and their ingenious sorting syste...

1893 Heartsette by Herbert Fitch & Co, 1893

Heartsette by Herbert Fitch & Co, 1893

A glimpse into a busy print and design office in late Victorian London.

1989 Batman® playing cards

Batman® playing cards

Batman playing cards published by InterCol of London 1989.

1984 Can You Believe Your Eyes?

Can You Believe Your Eyes?

“Can You Believe Your Eyes?” playing cards featuring visual illusions & other oddities.

1910 Pastime Playing Cards for the Blind

Pastime Playing Cards for the Blind

The “Pastime” Playing Cards for the Blind manufactured by Goodall & Son Limd., c.1910.

1730 Songs with Flute accompaniment

Songs with Flute accompaniment

Eighteenth century English engraved cards with music for voice and flute.

1930 Love Tests

Love Tests

Vintage novelty “Love Test” cards of a slightly saucy nature but all in good fun!

2008 Ben 10 playing cards

Ben 10 playing cards

Characters from the American animated television science fantasy series Ben 10.

1978 Doctor Who Trump Card Game

Doctor Who Trump Card Game

Game for two players in which Doctor Who and the Legendary Legion join battle with the Alien Hordes....

1992 Disney’s Aladdin playing cards

Disney’s Aladdin playing cards

Characters from the 1992 Disney film Aladdin.