Alfred Marks

Published May 20, 2012 Updated July 20, 2022

Alfred Marks Recruitment Consultants publicity playing cards published by Astra Games

1985 United KingdomAdvertisingAstraHappy Families
smashing staff, splendid service, no joke

Alfred Marks Recruitment Consultants

Publicity playing cards with the compliments of Alfred Marks Recruitment Consultants, printed by Astra Games, mid-1980s

In this non-standard pack, presented in the style of a ‘Happy Families’ card game, each character is repeated four times in the four suits making a total of 12 ideal staff recruits, plus two Jokers. The Jokers have the caption “smashing staff, splendid service, no joke”. The four Aces are branded with the words ‘Alfred Marks Recruitment Consultants’. Alfred Marks first opened in 1919 and was bought by Adecco in 1977.

Alfred Marks Recruitment Consultants publicity playing cards, mid-1980s

Above: Alfred Marks Recruitment Consultants publicity playing cards published by Astra Games, mid-1980s.

Alfred Marks Recruitment Consultants publicity playing cards, mid-1980s
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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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