Archives
2024 • May
Atout Cœur!
Poster designs by children for an anti-smoking campaign in the Midi-Pyrenées region of France.
English cards from the reign of Charles II
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by Paul Bostock
This article explores a historic pack of English playing cards from circa 1675, likely used by King Charles II and Queen Catherine, detailing their significance, history and unique features
North American wildlife playing cards
From humid wetlands to frozen tundra, the wildlife in North America is extremely diverse.
Why our playing-cards look the way they do
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by Paul Bostock
Analysis of early playing card designs: origins, suit differences, standardization, technological advancements and key innovations leading to modern designs.
Kojak bubble gum cards
Bubble gum cards featuring stills – mainly of Telly Savalas – from the cult TV series Kojak.
Hummingbirds of the Americas
Colour photographs of hummingbirds with data about each species to aid recognition.
Seashells playing cards
Each card shows colour photo of a different seashell for easy identification.
Discover trains of North America
55 different Illustrations of railways and locomotives from the United States.
Introduction to Collecting Themes
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by Paul Bostock
Playing cards can be broadly categorised into standard and non-standard designs, with collectors appreciating their variety.
Victor Hugo 1885-1985
Characters from novels by Victor Hugo marking the centenary of his death, as conceived by Dominique Asselot.
Victor Hugo “L’homme qui rit”
Two different packs with costume designs for Victor Hugo plays, issued on the centenary of his death.
Portrait Playing Cards
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by Paul Bostock
Portrait playing cards, featuring realistic drawings of people on the court cards instead of traditional stylized figures, originated in the 18th century and continue to gain popularity.
Le Monde Primitif Tarot
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by Simon Wintle
Facsimile edition produced by Morena Poltronieri & Ernesto Fazioli of Museo Internazionale dei Tarocchi, 2021.
I Tarocchi del Buongustaio
A less-than-serious set of major arcana on a gourmet theme, with designs by Cosimo Musio.
Haushaltgeräte
Publicity pack for VEB Kombinat Haushaltgeräte, makers of household goods, with designs by Volker Hartmann.
Cartes enfantines
Miniature 18th century Paris pattern cards for children, with decorated aces and 2s.
Tarot for Baby
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by Jinny Wintle
This board book simplifies tarot archetypes into accessible affirmations for young children.
Animal Tarot by Johann Jobst Forster
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by Simon Wintle
French-suited 78-card animal tarot deck of the Bavarian type.