Wiggins Teape “Hi-Speed” playing cards
Wiggins Teape “Hi-Speed” playing cards manufactured by Waddingtons, c.1970.
“Time is also musical, a magazine, in the plural a newspaper, and even military in the sense that army units march at different rates of step per minute. Indeed, so many verbal and visual images are conjured up by the word Time, that we decided it would make an ideal subject for showing off Hi-Speed printing papers.” - from the book “On Time” published by Wiggins Teape Group Advertising Division to advertise their “Hi-Speed” printing papers.
Special pack of playing cards for Wiggins Teape “Hi-Speed” printing papers, manufactured by John Waddington Ltd, 1970s. The same court figures, based on the standard designs by Goodall, are used in each suit, but with different colours and the addition of decorative speed stripes on the suit symbols, suggesting energy, fast speed and perhaps the winner of the race. The four Aces carry advertising slogans.
Above: Wiggins Teape “Hi-Speed” playing cards manufactured by John Waddington Ltd, c.1970.
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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