Fournier “El Fundador”
The cards shown here were originally printed in 12-colour lithography and published by Heraclio Fournier in 1888.
Inspired by the work of Bernhard Dondorf of Germany, Don Heraclio Fournier diligently developed his playing card printing technology and earned exhibition gold medals. Several early packs feature his portrait accompanied by a display of gold medals on the Ace of Coins. The cards shown here were originally printed in 12-colour lithography and published by Heraclio Fournier in 1888.
The firm was renamed Viuda e Hijos de Heraclio Fournier (1912-1931) and production continued under that name. The Five of Swords has the exportation tax stamp from that period. The Four of Coins shows a picture of the playing card factory. The deck was also re-printed in 1998 to celebrate the firm's 130th anniversary.
Image Credit:
Richard Giorgio
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.
Activity for Fournier “El Fundador”
Sign in to comment or save this article.
Related Articles
Bibaraja
Amusing designs of boys as circus performers by Alberto Muñiz Sánchez.
Naipes de Personajes Granadinos
Forty famous men and women with links to Granada, on a pack designed by Rubén Garrido.
Bankunión playing cards
Ingredients and recipes for 24 dishes from different regions of Spain.
El Desnudo en el Arte
The Nude in Art / El Desnudo en el Arte, Spain, 1977 (reprint 1990)
Baraja Fiesta Taurina
‘Baraja Fiesta Taurina’ bullfight playing cards published by Heraclio Fournier, Spain, 1975.
Baraja Aragonesa
Celebrating the costumes, architecture, coins and crafts of Aragon in Spain, with designs by Raúl Ro...
Multicard
A Spanish-suited pack with multiple uses including roulette and dice.
Rasta playing cards
Rasta playing cards celebrating the Rastafari religion.
Lithographic Stone
Historic lithographic stone from the Fournier playing card factory, c.1888.
Pulgarcito
Pulgarcito (Tom Thumb) card game published by H Fournier, 1981.
Parejas del Mundo
“Parejas del Mundo” matching pairs card game by Naipes H. Fournier, 1972.
Educación Vial
Educación Vial (Road Safety) card game published by H. Fournier, 1995.
Ancient Civilisations
Ancient Civilisations playing cards designed by Celedonio Perellón, produced by Heraclio Fournier, ...
Canary Islands Souvenir
Canary Islands Souvenir by Heraclio Fournier, c.1970.
Philishave
Spanish-suited advertising deck for Philishave electric razors.
Monumentos de España
"Monumentos de España" souvenir playing cards manufactured by Heraclio Fournier, S.A., Vitoria (Spai...
Heraclio Fournier S.A.
Founded in 1868, today it is part of Cartamundi.
Fournier No.35 Spanish-suited playing cards
Fournier No.35 Spanish-suited playing cards imported into Argentina by Fagoaga y Compañía ...
Cards for export to Peru by Heraclio Fournier
'El Caballo' brand (No.5P) playing-cards manufactured in Spain by Heraclio Fournier S.A. especially ...
Fagoaga y Compañía (Casa Bertrand Domec), Buenos Aires, c.1970
Playing Cards Imported into Argentina by Fagoaga y Compañía (Casa Bertrand Domec), Buenos Aires, c.1...
Most Popular
Our top articles from the past 60 days
![Testament [classic edition]](/images/cache/countries/usa/uspcc/testament-0.075c5b95.jpg "Testament [classic edition]")
