About Catherine Kelly

Published March 04, 1996 • Updated April 21, 2022

Catherine Kelly, M.A. Paint and Print, B.A. History of Art and Fine Art Painting, is an artist working in Dublin

Catherine Kelly on the cards…

E-mail: CKelly.iol.ie

Catherine Kelly, M.A. Paint and Print, B.A. History of Art and Fine Art Painting, is an artist working in Dublin. She first exhibited prints of card players in 1996. Playing cards have continued to be a central feature of her work.

In 1999 she designed a limited edition pack of playing cards in conjunction with a body of work that dealt with role playing, how we see ourselves, and relationships. She also built a house of cards which she named "Safe as Houses" which is featured elsewhere on this website.

Queen of Spades by Catherine Kelly, Dublin

Catherine works in ink, paint, photography, wax, bronze and video. She has a number of playing card-related projects ongoing, several of which are being displayed in exhibitions and galleries.

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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.