Juan Roura, Barcelona (1872 - 1962)
Juan Roura produced a range of popular designs including Catalán, Castilian and Cádiz patterns for domestic use exportation.
After the Spanish Civil War (1936-40) only three or four Spanish playing card makers remained: Fournier, Comas and Roura. Fábrica de Barajas Juan Roura produced a range of popular standard designs, including Catalán and Castilian type packs, plus Cádiz-type models for exportation to Philippines and Latin America. Brand names include Dos Mundos, La Flor, La Hispano-Americana, La Legitima Loba, La Yegua and El Toro. Bridge / Poker decks were sometimes only given a number, such as Nº 15, 55, 305, 505, etc. Roura also produced children's card games. Juan Roura worked in Barcelona at Calle Nápoles no. 113 until acquired by Heraclio Fournier in 1962.
Catalan type pack No.32
Above: Catalan type pack No.32 by Juan Roura, Barcelona, c.1932 see more►
Catalan pattern
Above: Catalan type "Naipes Finos de Una Hoja La Hispano-Americana", manufactured in Barcelona by Juan Roura, c.1935. The ace of coins has a mural crown of the Second Spanish Republic. This design was used, with slight modifications, over several decades see more►
Castilian style No.21 “Hispano Americana”
Above: Naipes Finos No.21 "Hispano Americana", in the Castilian style, by Juan Roura, Barcelona, c.1940 see more►
Cadiz style “Dos Toros” brand for exportation
Above: Naipes "Dos Toros", in the Cadiz style, produced for export to the Philippines by Juan Roura, Barcelona see more►
By Simon Wintle
Spain • Member since February 01, 1996 • Contact
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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