John Player Special
John Player Special non-standard playing cards created by the illustrator Nick Price, 1987
John Player Special
John Player Special non-standard playing cards created by the illustrator Nick Price, 1987. All cards are printed in red, gold, black & white with black borders. The aces show birds and leaves, the kings are mounted on horseback, the queens hold either a cat or a dog and the jacks are craftsmen, musicians or scientists. The pack is also known with gold borders and a matching back design.
Above: John Player Special non-standard playing cards featuring the charming designs of illustrator Nick Price, 1987. Printed in a limited edition by Carta Mundi.
By Simon Wintle
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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