Barribal Series

Published July 03, 1996 Updated March 13, 2022

William H. Barribal (1873 - 1956) was a London artist who created the Waddingtons 'Barribal' playing cards series, which are avidly collected today.

1933 United Kingdom Waddingtons Barribal Art & Design Backs

Waddington’s “Barribal” Series, 1933

William H. Barribal (1874-1952) was a London artist who began his career as a lithographer before going on to study at the Paris Academie Julien. Becoming an accomplished painter and designer by the first quarter of the 20th century, Barribal created such memorable images as posters for the Schweppes advertising campaign and the Waddington's playing cards series shown here. He is also well-known for the posters designed in 1920s and 1930s for the London North Eastern Railway. Barribal also worked for various magazines, including Vogue.

Waddingtons 'Barribal' playing cards series, 1933

Above: Waddington's 1933 Trade Brochure - "Barribal" Series.

More Barribal designs

Waddingtons 'Barribal' playing cards Waddingtons 'Barribal' playing cards Waddingtons 'Barribal' playing cards Waddingtons 'Bailarina' back design by Barribal
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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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