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The English Playing Card Society

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Promoting research into English card history since 1984. Members receive the EPCS magazine three times a year.

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Crystal Palace, Great Exhibition (London, 1851) — international expositions where playing-card makers exhibited new printing and design techniques Since 1996, this collaborative project has grown into an independent archive of 4,904 articles, written by collectors, researchers, artists and historians from around the world, documenting playing cards from early handmade cards to industrial production, and from games of chance and skill to education, advertising, political satire, magic and fortune-telling.

The archive looks beyond the basics, revealing the wider history behind playing cards. It explores how cards were designed, printed and traded, how they were regulated, and what their imagery was intended to convey. All content is edited with care and supported by sources, images and dates to support reliable research
A decorative black and white line ornament with a circular design in the center and horizontal lines extending from both sides

Latest Articles

Grateful Dead – Dead in a Deck

Art, music and advertising come together in this groovy promotional deck.

Odyssey Playing Cards

A Kings Wild Project celebrating Homer’s epic.

Les Amoureux de Peynet

An iconic cartoon veers from cute to sexual with no stops in between.

Latest Activity

EPCS February 2026 Newsletter
Feb 2026 Newsletter Members access

This issue features articles on De La Rue Pack c.1835, Mistakes in Standard English Packs, and An Unusual Happy Families...

Odyssey Playing Cards
Odyssey Playing Cards

A Kings Wild Project celebrating Homer’s epic.

2 days ago Lev Golinkin
Les Amoureux de Peynet
Les Amoureux de Peynet

An iconic cartoon veers from cute to sexual with no stops in between.

2 days ago Lev Golinkin
Les Quatre Saisons
Les Quatre Saisons

A lyrical cycle of the seasons woven into the language of playing cards.

3 days ago Lev Golinkin
Troubadour
Troubadour

Charming deck evoking the art of the Middle Ages.

4 days ago Lev Golinkin
Le jeu de cartes des Croisades
Le jeu de cartes des Croisades

Venture into the Crusades in the style of medieval manuscript art.

5 days ago Lev Golinkin
Marty Jacobs
Marty Jacobs commented on United Kingdom

You're very welcome, Simon. I love WOPC, so I'm happy to hel...

5 days ago
Danny Spiller
Danny Spiller commented on Bicycle No.808 - page 2

Thrilled to read the informative history on Bicycle cards. D...

6 days ago
Modern F.X. Schmid Bavarian Cards
Modern F.X. Schmid Bavarian Cards

From Plastic to Premium: The legendary F.X. Schmid Tarock & Schafkopf deck, reboxed, refreshed and rebranded.

6 days ago Konrad Hämmerle
Mariáš - Black & Red Edition
Mariáš - Black & Red Edition

A modern special edition of Prager pattern cards.

6 days ago Marek Brejcha
Simon Wintle
Simon Wintle commented on United Kingdom

Thanks, Marty, for your helpful comment. Much appreciated an...

6 days ago
Marty Jacobs
Marty Jacobs commented on United Kingdom

Thanks for such a detailed article, Simon. Here's a small co...

6 days ago
Birb playing cards
Birb playing cards

Birds are not merely illustrated on the cards but become the court cards themselves.

6 days ago Lev Golinkin
Jungle Playing Cards
Jungle Playing Cards

Welcome to the jungle – a delightful deck from South Africa.

Jun 2, 2026 Lev Golinkin
Ute Mountain Casino Hotel & Resort
Ute Mountain Casino Hotel & Resort

Casino playing cards featuring Native American courts.

Jun 1, 2026 Lev Golinkin
Sanders
Sanders

A cheery deck in which playing card courts visit the countryside.

Jun 1, 2026 Lev Golinkin
Arrowhead Playing Cards from San Felipe’s Casino Hollywood
Arrowhead Playing Cards from San Felipe’s Casino Hollywood

A gorgeous and well-researched celebration of Native American culture.

May 31, 2026 Lev Golinkin
Les Grands Navigateurs
Les Grands Navigateurs

Jean Delpech's modernist voyage through the history of Maritime Exploration.

May 31, 2026 Lev Golinkin
Sleeperhold Publications
Sleeperhold Publications

Sleeperhold Publications collaborative art playing cards.

Peter Burnett By Peter Burnett
Christmas 1980 playing cards
Christmas 1980 playing cards

Festive courts on a Waddingtons pack designed to celebrate Christmas 1980.

Roddy Somerville By Roddy Somerville
Bosco by A.S.S. for the Estanco de Naipes del Peru
Bosco by A.S.S. for the Estanco de Naipes del Peru

‘Bosco’ Playing Cards manufactured by A.S.S. for the Estanco de Naipes del Peru, 1930s.

Simon Wintle By Simon Wintle
Waddingtons Nursery Rhymes
Waddingtons Nursery Rhymes

Nursery rhyme playing cards by Waddingtons, Leeds, UK, 1975.

Roddy Somerville By Roddy Somerville
Naipes Gacela
Naipes Gacela

Naipes Gacela & Gacelita.

Simon Wintle By Simon Wintle
Naipes TRIUNFO by Orestes A Cappellano, c.1940-55
Naipes TRIUNFO by Orestes A Cappellano, c.1940-55

Naipes TRIUNFO Spanish-suited playing cards by Orestes A. Cappellano, publishers and playing card manufacturer...

Simon Wintle By Simon Wintle
Quantum
Quantum

Quantum playing cards designed by Catherine Geaney.

Simon Wintle By Simon Wintle
Malaysia Scenery
Malaysia Scenery

Souvenir playing cards from Malaysia featuring 56 colour photographs of scenery, wildlife, local people and Ma...

Adam Wintle By Adam Wintle
MusoDeck Playing Cards for Musicians
MusoDeck Playing Cards for Musicians

MusoDeck Playing Cards for Musicians

Simon Wintle By Simon Wintle
Ibero-American Deck, 1929
Ibero-American Deck, 1929

Ibero-American Deck, designed by L. Palao, 1929.

Simon Wintle By Simon Wintle
Liebig Beef Extract
Liebig Beef Extract

The first cards, or “chromos”, were published in 1872 and during the next 100 years almost 2,000 series were i...

Simon Wintle By Simon Wintle
El Ciervo, c.1930
El Ciervo, c.1930

Sebastian Comas y Ricart - Hija de A. Comas “El Ciervo” Spanish Catalan pattern, c.1930.

Simon Wintle By Simon Wintle
Sleeperhold Publications
Peter Burnett

By

Peter Burnett

Sleeperhold Publications

Sleeperhold Publications collaborative art playing cards.

Christmas 1980 playing cards
Roddy Somerville

By

Roddy Somerville

Christmas 1980 playing cards

Festive courts on a Waddingtons pack designed to celebrate Christmas 1980.

Bosco by A.S.S. for the Estanco de Naipes del Peru
Simon Wintle

By

Simon Wintle

Bosco by A.S.S. for the Estanco de Naipes del Peru

‘Bosco’ Playing Cards manufactured by A.S.S. for the Estanco de Naipes del Peru, 1930s.

Waddingtons Nursery Rhymes
Roddy Somerville

By

Roddy Somerville

Waddingtons Nursery Rhymes

Nursery rhyme playing cards by Waddingtons, Leeds, UK, 1975.

Naipes Gacela
Simon Wintle

By

Simon Wintle

Naipes Gacela

Naipes Gacela & Gacelita.

Naipes TRIUNFO by Orestes A Cappellano, c.1940-55
Simon Wintle

By

Simon Wintle

Naipes TRIUNFO by Orestes A Cappellano, c.1940-55

Naipes TRIUNFO Spanish-suited playing cards by Orestes A. Cappellano, publishers and playing card manufacturers, Sarmien...

Quantum
Simon Wintle

By

Simon Wintle

Quantum

Quantum playing cards designed by Catherine Geaney.

Malaysia Scenery
Adam Wintle

By

Adam Wintle

Malaysia Scenery

Souvenir playing cards from Malaysia featuring 56 colour photographs of scenery, wildlife, local people and Malaysian fr...

MusoDeck Playing Cards for Musicians
Simon Wintle

By

Simon Wintle

MusoDeck Playing Cards for Musicians

MusoDeck Playing Cards for Musicians

Ibero-American Deck, 1929
Simon Wintle

By

Simon Wintle

Ibero-American Deck, 1929

Ibero-American Deck, designed by L. Palao, 1929.

Liebig Beef Extract
Simon Wintle

By

Simon Wintle

Liebig Beef Extract

The first cards, or “chromos”, were published in 1872 and during the next 100 years almost 2,000 series were issued as a...

El Ciervo, c.1930
Simon Wintle

By

Simon Wintle

El Ciervo, c.1930

Sebastian Comas y Ricart - Hija de A. Comas “El Ciervo” Spanish Catalan pattern, c.1930.



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Manufacturers

Karl Gerich

Karl Gerich
Karl Gerich's interest in playing-card production came to the fore while studying at Bath Academy of Art from 1975. Karl produced a unique range of hand-made playing cards during the period 1980-1998.

Karl Gerich

Karl Gerich's interest in playing-card production came to the fore while studying at Bath Academy of Art from 1975. Karl produced a unique range of hand-made playing cards during the period 1980-1998. more
Merry Andrew
Merry Andrew

There are two Aces to each suit; one plain and the other with figures of a young woman and man, presumably Mer...

Barney Townshend By Barney Townshend
Aquae Sulis
Aquae Sulis

‘Aquae Sulis’ is Georgina Harvey's second design, in which the double-ended courts are reminiscent of classica...

Barney Townshend By Barney Townshend
No.14 Rouennais
No.14 Rouennais

As far as is known, ‘Rouennais’ has only ever been produced as a sheet of etched court cards and aces. The des...

Barney Townshend By Barney Townshend
Cartes Turques Patience
Cartes Turques Patience

Derived from “Cartes Turques” first made by Glanz, then later by van Genechten, Brepols & Piatnik. 3 double-en...

Barney Townshend By Barney Townshend
Merry Andrew
Barney Townshend

By

Barney Townshend

Merry Andrew

There are two Aces to each suit; one plain and the other with figures of a young woman and man, pres...

Aquae Sulis
Barney Townshend

By

Barney Townshend

Aquae Sulis

‘Aquae Sulis’ is Georgina Harvey's second design, in which the double-ended courts are reminiscent o...

No.14 Rouennais
Barney Townshend

By

Barney Townshend

No.14 Rouennais

As far as is known, ‘Rouennais’ has only ever been produced as a sheet of etched court cards and ace...

Cartes Turques Patience
Barney Townshend

By

Barney Townshend

Cartes Turques Patience

Derived from “Cartes Turques” first made by Glanz, then later by van Genechten, Brepols & Piatnik. 3...


Themes

Joker

Joker
The 'Joker' is believed to have been invented by American Euchre players who, when modifying the rules sometime during the 1860s, decided that an extra trump card was required.

Joker

The 'Joker' is believed to have been invented by American Euchre players who, when modifying the rules sometime during the 1860s, decided that an extra trump card was required. more
SNP Ausprint Jokers
SNP Ausprint Jokers

A series of SNP Ausprint jokers with the various wording and name changes

John Daniels By John Daniels
Hand Drawn Joker Pack
Hand Drawn Joker Pack

Pack of 52 hand-drawn Jokers.

Jon Randall By Jon Randall
The story behind some special Jokers
The story behind some special Jokers

How the “Gibbons” Jokers came into being.

Roddy Somerville By Roddy Somerville
Sands & McDougall Aces & Jokers
Sands & McDougall Aces & Jokers

Sands & McDougall produced many beautiful Spade Aces and Jokers.

Jan Walls By Jan Walls
SNP Ausprint Jokers
John Daniels

By

John Daniels

SNP Ausprint Jokers

A series of SNP Ausprint jokers with the various wording and name changes

Hand Drawn Joker Pack
Jon Randall

By

Jon Randall

Hand Drawn Joker Pack

Pack of 52 hand-drawn Jokers.

The story behind some special Jokers
Roddy Somerville

By

Roddy Somerville

The story behind some special Jokers

How the “Gibbons” Jokers came into being.

Sands & McDougall Aces & Jokers
Jan Walls

By

Jan Walls

Sands & McDougall Aces & Jokers

Sands & McDougall produced many beautiful Spade Aces and Jokers.


Themes

Playing Card Backs

Playing Card Backs
Playing card backs can be seen in connection with the history of coloured paper, marbled papers and prints from different rollers. In the old days backs were often coloured with a wide brush by hand but today we see intricate designs and photography on the backs. The technical problem has always been ensuring that the backs are uniform and perfectly aligned so that no card may be identified from an irregularity or blemish on the back.

Playing Card Backs

Playing card backs can be seen in connection with the history of coloured paper, marbled papers and prints from different rollers. In the old days backs were often coloured with a wide brush by hand but today we see intricate designs and photography on the backs. The technical problem has always been ensuring that the backs are uniform and perfectly aligned so that no card may be identified from an irregularity or blemish on the back. more
Torras y Lleó, Barcelona, Spain, c.1838-1921
Torras y Lleó, Barcelona, Spain, c.1838-1921

Francisco Torras y Lleó was a playing-card maker in calle Carmen, Barcelona, who flourished during the period ...

Simon Wintle By Simon Wintle
Barribal Series
Barribal Series

William H. Barribal (1873 - 1956) was a London artist who created the Waddingtons 'Barribal' playing cards ser...

Simon Wintle By Simon Wintle
59: Owen Jones (1809-74) and De La Rue
59: Owen Jones (1809-74) and De La Rue

A selection of examples of Owen Jones's artwork printed by De La Rue.

Ken Lodge By Ken Lodge
Playing Card Design
Playing Card Design

The playing card calls for artistic treatment and although the constrained size imposes some limitations there...

Simon Wintle By Simon Wintle
Torras y Lleó, Barcelona, Spain, c.1838-1921
Simon Wintle

By

Simon Wintle

Torras y Lleó, Barcelona, Spain, c.1838-1921

Francisco Torras y Lleó was a playing-card maker in calle Carmen, Barcelona, who flourished during t...

Barribal Series
Simon Wintle

By

Simon Wintle

Barribal Series

William H. Barribal (1873 - 1956) was a London artist who created the Waddingtons 'Barribal' playing...

59: Owen Jones (1809-74) and De La Rue
Ken Lodge

By

Ken Lodge

59: Owen Jones (1809-74) and De La Rue

A selection of examples of Owen Jones's artwork printed by De La Rue.

Playing Card Design
Simon Wintle

By

Simon Wintle

Playing Card Design

The playing card calls for artistic treatment and although the constrained size imposes some limitat...


Manufacturers

United States Playing Card Co.

United States Playing Card Co.
Over the years the pressures of competition and other market forces have led to many smaller manufacturers being taken over by larger ones. The outcome is that the U.S.P.C.C. is now the largest manufacturer in the United States.

United States Playing Card Co.

Over the years the pressures of competition and other market forces have led to many smaller manufacturers being taken over by larger ones. The outcome is that the U.S.P.C.C. is now the largest manufacturer in the United States. more
The Black Book of Cards
The Black Book of Cards

The Black Book of Cards by UnCommon Beat

Adam Wintle By Adam Wintle
McDonald’s Playing Cards
McDonald’s Playing Cards

McDonald’s playing cards by the United States Playing Card Co., Cincinnati, c.1997

Simon Wintle By Simon Wintle
Creature Comfort
Creature Comfort

Creature Comfort playing cards designed by Don Moyer, 2017.

Simon Wintle By Simon Wintle
Army & Navy No.303
Army & Navy No.303

Over the years eight different Aces of Spades were used with this brand and the Joker was also modified severa...

Rod Starling (1936-2023) By Rod Starling (1936-2023)
The Black Book of Cards
Adam Wintle

By

Adam Wintle

The Black Book of Cards

The Black Book of Cards by UnCommon Beat

McDonald’s Playing Cards
Simon Wintle

By

Simon Wintle

McDonald’s Playing Cards

McDonald’s playing cards by the United States Playing Card Co., Cincinnati, c.1997

Creature Comfort
Simon Wintle

By

Simon Wintle

Creature Comfort

Creature Comfort playing cards designed by Don Moyer, 2017.

Army & Navy No.303
Rod Starling (1936-2023)

By

Rod Starling (1936-2023)

Army & Navy No.303

Over the years eight different Aces of Spades were used with this brand and the Joker was also modif...


Countries

Uruguay

Uruguay
Until the 19th century playing cards were imported into Uruguay from Spain.

Uruguay

Until the 19th century playing cards were imported into Uruguay from Spain. more
Argenar, Buenos Aires, c.1980
Argenar, Buenos Aires, c.1980

The reverse has advertising for Cymaco motor spares who have branches in Uruguay.

Simon Wintle By Simon Wintle
Copa de Oro 1980
Copa de Oro 1980

Naipes “Copa de Oro 1980” manufactured by Compañía General de Fósforos Montevideana, 1980.

Simon Wintle By Simon Wintle
Spanish playing cards for Yerba Armiño
Spanish playing cards for Yerba Armiño

Spanish-suited playing cards for Yerba Armiño, anonymous manufacturer probably made in China.

Simon Wintle By Simon Wintle
Native Indian Hand-made Cards made on rawhide
Native Indian Hand-made Cards made on rawhide

Native Indian hand-made cards made on rawhide.

Simon Wintle By Simon Wintle
Argenar, Buenos Aires, c.1980
Simon Wintle

By

Simon Wintle

Argenar, Buenos Aires, c.1980

The reverse has advertising for Cymaco motor spares who have branches in Uruguay.

Copa de Oro 1980
Simon Wintle

By

Simon Wintle

Copa de Oro 1980

Naipes “Copa de Oro 1980” manufactured by Compañía General de Fósforos Montevideana, 1980.

Spanish playing cards for Yerba Armiño
Simon Wintle

By

Simon Wintle

Spanish playing cards for Yerba Armiño

Spanish-suited playing cards for Yerba Armiño, anonymous manufacturer probably made in China.

Native Indian Hand-made Cards made on rawhide
Simon Wintle

By

Simon Wintle

Native Indian Hand-made Cards made on rawhide

Native Indian hand-made cards made on rawhide.


Countries

Isle of Man

Isle of Man
The Isle of Man has always been a tax haven within the British Isles and it has also had some interesting packs of cards.

Isle of Man

The Isle of Man has always been a tax haven within the British Isles and it has also had some interesting packs of cards. more
Isle of Man playing cards made by Glénisson of Turnhout
Isle of Man playing cards made by Glénisson of Turnhout

Two souvenir packs with different court cards made by Glénisson for the Isle of Man, c.1880.

Paul Symons By Paul Symons
Manx Playing Card Stamps
Manx Playing Card Stamps

Isle of Man stamp issue based upon the history of Manx themed playing cards, featuring six fascinating, full c...

Simon Wintle By Simon Wintle
Isle of Man playing cards by De La Rue & Goodall
Isle of Man playing cards by De La Rue & Goodall

Two different versions of Isle of Man playing cards from 1870 and 1914.

Paul Symons By Paul Symons
Isle of Man souvenir playing cards by Goodall & Son.
Isle of Man souvenir playing cards by Goodall & Son.

Two antique packs with scenic aces illustrating places on the Isle of Man.

Paul Symons By Paul Symons
Isle of Man playing cards made by Glénisson of Turnhout
Paul Symons

By

Paul Symons

Isle of Man playing cards made by Glénisson of Turnhout

Two souvenir packs with different court cards made by Glénisson for the Isle of Man, c.1880.

Manx Playing Card Stamps
Simon Wintle

By

Simon Wintle

Manx Playing Card Stamps

Isle of Man stamp issue based upon the history of Manx themed playing cards, featuring six fascinati...

Isle of Man playing cards by De La Rue & Goodall
Paul Symons

By

Paul Symons

Isle of Man playing cards by De La Rue & Goodall

Two different versions of Isle of Man playing cards from 1870 and 1914.

Isle of Man souvenir playing cards by Goodall & Son.
Paul Symons

By

Paul Symons

Isle of Man souvenir playing cards by Goodall & Son.

Two antique packs with scenic aces illustrating places on the Isle of Man.


A decorative black and white line ornament with a circular design in the center and horizontal lines extending from both sides

The English Playing Card Society

Founded in 1984, the English Playing Card Society (EPCS) promotes research into the history and development of English playing cards and card games, and supports the exchange of information and ideas between collectors, researchers, archivists, designers, manufacturers and dealers.

The Society publishes the EPCS Newsletter three times a year and maintains an online archive of back issues.

The English Playing Card Society motif: Deuce and Tray
Above: EPCS Society motif — Deuce and Tray (1865)

The Big Picture

Playing cards have a universal appeal and are a reflection of human culture.

A decorative black and white line ornament with a circular design in the center and horizontal lines extending from both sides
Simon & Adam Wintle

Above: Chinese money-suited cards. Some of the earliest cards have origins in the Far East.

Playing cards have a long history and cultural significance, forming a part of almost every society around the world. The origins of playing cards can be traced back centuries, and today they remain a universal symbol of creativity, entertainment, and human connection. These small, rectangular pieces of paper have been a source of fun for generations and are still enjoyed in countless ways—whether in a simple game of solitaire, a high-stakes poker match, or the tarot cards used for fortune-telling. There is something about the history and design of playing cards that captures the imagination and inspires creativity. As Delef Hoffmann once said, “whether we consider cards as mere merchandise or as the bond which unites people with one another, just think of what we would be if we had no cards! How boring and unsociable our lives would be without this invention!

Dasavatara Ganjifa from India

Above: Dasavatara Ganjifa from India. Playing cards from India are often circular.

The origin of cards can be traced back to China, where they were first used as early as the 9th century. From there, the cards travelled across Asia and the Middle East, and finally found their way to Europe in the 14th century.

Since then, playing cards have been used for a wide range of purposes, including fortune-telling and even propaganda. But the most significant impact they have had on humanity is through their use in games, which have brought people together for centuries.

Above left: a set of Spanish playing cards from 1638 was discovered inside a prison wall during demolition, likely used for gambling by prisoners. Above center: Trump Presidential playing cards, playing cards are often used for political messages. Above right: the Magician from the popualr Rider-Waite tarot, which has become the template for modern tarot decks.

Above left: a set of Spanish playing cards from 1638 was discovered inside a prison wall during demolition, likely used for gambling by prisoners. Above center: Trump Presidential playing cards, playing cards are often used for political messages. Above right: the Magician from the popualr Rider-Waite tarot, which has become the template for modern tarot decks.

While playing cards have brought people together for fun and play, they have also been a source of disruption in the form of gambling. For many, gambling has become an addiction, leading to financial ruin and even anti-social problems.

The artistic value of cards cannot be overlooked, with their intricate details and unique designs of each card reflecting the creativity and ingenuity of artists. Playing cards are a reflection of our society, with each country and region having its unique designs and styles. As Sylvia Mann put it "there are fashions in cards, and these fashions very often reflect the history of the times". From the bold and colourful designs of India to the intricate and detailed patterns of Russia, playing cards are a testament to the creativity and diversity of the human experience.

Playing cards from different cultures

Above left: Kashmir Playing Cards, above center: Ethiopian Air Lines playing cards produced by Nintendo, above right: striking playing cards designed by Masuo Ikeda.

Playing cards have a wide embrace, spanning across cultures and countries, with a scope of diverse subjects that reflect the values and beliefs of their respective societies.

Playing cards are an enduring symbol of human connection and creativity, transcending language, borders and cultures. Through the power of games, they have brought people together for centuries, creating shared experiences that have fostered friendships, learning and social bonds. While their role in gambling has been disruptive, their stunning artistic designs elevate them to works of art, worthy of appreciation and admiration. Playing cards are a testament to the power of human creativity and a reflection of the rich cultural tapestry of our world.

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