Playing cards have been with us since the 14th century, when they first entered popular culture. Over the centuries packs of cards, in all shapes and sizes, have been used for games, gambling, education, conjuring, advertising, fortune telling, political messages or the portrayal of national or ethnic identity. All over the world, whatever language is spoken, their significance is universal. Their popularity is also due to the imaginative artwork and graphic design which is sometimes overlooked, and the “then & now” of how things have changed.
Latest Articles
A. Camoin & Cie Blog Post
• November 26, 2021 at 08:16pmThis deck was inherited from ancestors, it has has a family history surrounding it. Details of the lives of previous owners make it all so fascinating. Read more →
Bone Playing Cards
• October 29, 2021 at 11:55amMy late mother found these miniature cards in a skip around 50 years ago. Read more →
Folk Cards
• October 04, 2021 at 01:15pmFolk Cards designed by Krystyna Gruchalska - Bunsch, 1962. Read more →
Bosch Puzzle Playing Cards Blog Post
• September 25, 2021 at 12:50pmBosch Puzzle Playing Cards by Sunish Chabba, 2020. Read more →
Spyscape
• September 22, 2021 at 07:26amSpyscape espionage, surveillance and cryptography themed playing cards, 2018. Read more →
Sergeant-Major
• September 06, 2021 at 05:33pmSergeant-Major card game devised by W.G.Smith Read more →
Rex Pitts (1940-2021)
• August 19, 2021 at 11:41amWe are deeply saddened by news of the passing of Anthony Rex Pitts (1940-2021). Read more →
Crazy People
• May 21, 2021 at 09:49amCrazy People children’s card game illustrated by caricaturist and graphic artist Walter Trier, c.1950. Read more →
Andere Zeiten - Andere Kleider
• May 18, 2021 at 07:30am‘History of fashion’ cultural quartet game designed by Erika Werner-Nestler, 1954. Read more →
Editor’s Picks
Playing cards have enormous educational value, with a long history and many diverse types and graphical styles from around the world... View More →
