TRANSFORMATION PLAYING CARDS
ransformation Playing Cards are those in which the pip cards have been integrated into an overall design. The pips must retain their traditional position and shape, so it is sometimes difficult to create a good design. The idea became popular at the beginning of the 19th century as a pastime, when packs were often 'transformed' by hand using pen and ink. 19th century hand-drawn packs are now extremely scarce.
Above: These cards have been drawn on a De la Rue pack of c.1870, at a slightly later date, c.1886. |
Some very attractive designs have also been commercially printed in larger editions. A selection of such cards is illustrated below:
 Above: "Metastasis" Transformation Cards, designed by John Nixon and published in 1803 by S.W.Fores, 50 Picadilly, London. These designs were later re-used in other packs. Click here. |
Above: "Art for the Earth" Playing Cards published by Andrew Jones Art for The Friends of the Earth, 1992. Royalties from the sale of the pack went towards the campaign to sustain the world's tropical rainforests. Ace of Spades designed by Andras Kaldor; Six of Diamonds by Nicola Bayley; King of Clubs by Norman Thelwell. |
Below: four cards from Pete Wood's 'Teddy Bears' Transformation pack of playing cards (1994). |
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