José Serrano
‘Raimundo García’ pattern playing cards produced in Pamplona by José Serano, c.1875.
Spanish-suited playing cards in the Raimundo García pattern produced in Pamplona by José Serano, c.1875. The ace of coins has the arms of Spain with the inscription “Fabrica de Pamplona” while the maker’s name appears on the four of coins.
The design is the Raimundo García pattern, originating from Madrid earlier in the 19th century. García outsourced production, resulting in similar cards made by various manufacturers. Later, unrelated firms adopted the design, using different colours and giving the designs a firmer, bolder appearance. See García y Boyer (1880)►
Above: ‘Raimundo García’ pattern playing cards produced in Pamplona by José Serano, c.1875. 48 cards, hand-coloured woodcuts. Backs printed in pink with a small pattern. © The Trustees of the British Museum • Museum number 1896,0501.838►
References
O’Donoghue, Freeman M: Catalogue of the collection of playing cards bequeathed by Lady Charlotte Schreiber, Trustees of the British Museum, London, 1901 (Spanish 37) [digital version here]
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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