Woodpecker Press Ltd
Woodpecker Press is believed to have started up in 1987 as a spin-off from the closure of Astra Games.
Woodpecker Press Ltd., 1987-89
Woodpecker Press is believed to have started up in 1987 as a spin-off from the closure of Astra Games, and continued producing advertising playing cards of a very similar design and quality until around 1989.
Above: playing cards manufactured in England by Woodpecker Press Limited for The National Trust, c.1988. 52 cards + 2 jokers + bridge scores card. Four indices.
Above: another pack for the National Trust, black border to the bridge score card. Image courtesy Matt Probert.
By Simon Wintle
Spain • 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.
Activity for Woodpecker Press Ltd
Sign in to comment or save this article.
Related Articles
Island 2000 Trust
“Island 2000 Trust” sustainability project playing cards, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom, c. 2005.
Period Pieces
National Trust Period Pieces Antiques Game produced in 1976 by Dinosaur Publications.
Country Craftsmen
“Country Craftsmen” Happy Families with illustrations by Mandy Hall, published for the National Trus...
38: Peter Gurney and Other 20th Century Minor Makers
Gurney was not the only printer who went briefly into the playing card business during the twentieth...
Eglantine Table
The Eglantine Table, Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire, elaborately inlaid with marquetry depicting musical ...
National Trust Properties
National Trust Properties Pack, c.1997.
Most Popular
Our top articles from the past 60 days
