Past Masters’ Association Presentation Pack
The Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards Past Masters’ Association Presentation Pack, 2013.
Two packs of cards are contained in this sumptuous presentation case. In 2012, the 60th Anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s reign coincided with the number of Livery Companies reaching 108. It was therefore possible to produce two packs of cards each with the name, shield and motto of a different company currently in existence. While this does not make for an ideal pack of cards for play, it offers a unique insight into the world of Livery Companies. Each pack comprises the standard 52 cards plus two jokers. Whilst the picture cards illustrate famous Kings, Queens and, in three cases, various Princes of Wales, the Jokers are left blank, although there are some obvious contenders!
Roddy Somerville, a past Master of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards, advised me that this was not the annual pack presented at the Installation Banquet in 2012. It was produced for the Past Masters’ Association for that year, the “Great Thirteen, 2012-2013”, and was not issued until late 2013 or early 2014.
Special permission was granted by the WCMPC for the Master's portrait to appear on the Ace of Spades as this normally only appears on the Installation set.
By Tony Hall
Member since January 30, 2015
I started my interest in card games about 70 years ago, playing cribbage with my grandfather. Collecting card game materials started 50 years or so later, when time permitted. One cribbage board was a memory; two became the start of a collection currently exceeding 150!
Once interest in the social history of card games was sparked, I bought a wooden whist marker from the 1880s which was ingenious in design and unbelievably tactile. One lead to two and there was no stopping.
What happened thereafter is reflected in my articles and downloads on this site, for which I will be eternally grateful.
Related Articles
Christmas Carols
Christmas Carols playing cards illustrated by Stuart Dilks
Pam is the Knave of Clubs
Playing cards as metaphors in 18th century art - from fate, chance and social hierarchy t...
Question and Answer Games
A card game called “Impertinent Questions and Pertinent Answers” was launched in the early 1920s by ...
Dr Sacheverell
Dr. Henry Sacheverell's impeachment in 1710 sparked widespread public unrest and political upheaval,...
Leadmill playing cards
Promotional pack for an arts centre in Sheffield with designs by Martin F. Bedford.
Agatha Christie and card games
Agatha Christie uses card-play as a primary focus of a story, and as a way of creating plots and mot...
English Heritage
52 different colour photos of historic sites managed by English Heritage.
La Baraja del Mundial
“La Baraja del Mundial” satirical football deck published by Fournier for ‘Interviú’ news magazine. ...
The Malt Whiskies of Scotland
Three packs featuring photographs by Duncan McEwan of malt whisky distilleries in Scotland.
Typographic Playing Cards
Typographic Playing Cards designed by Jim Sutherland, c.2010.
76: Transitions: Hunt & Sons
Styles change and technology develops. This means that it's possible to see transition periods in th...
Gibson’s History of England
History without tears for young and old, 1920s.
Simpson (Piccadilly) playing cards
Innovative advertising pack for Simpsons of Piccadilly designed by André François.
Scruffy Mutts
‘Scruffy Mutts’ dog-themed playing cards, United Kingdom, c.1998.
Hamlet Cigars
Advertising deck for “Hamlet mild cigars”, a Benson & Hedges product.
The Playing-Card Industry & Its Relevance Today
This video explores the relevance of playing cards today, highlighting industry diversification, mod...