Playing Cards for Consumer Advertising, Marketing & Promotion
Closely following the development of visual advertising in general, such as on labels, packaging, posters and TV commercials, advertising playing cards seek to find ways to associate products with our inner desires and longings, with our identity and who we want to be. Some packs are widely distributed as part of larger promotions, others are more exclusive. In some cases single cards are collected from inside the advertised product, thereby stimulating further sales to complete a full set.
Las Cartas de Sara
Las Cartas de Sara (Yerba Mate) based on an idea by Diego Silva Pintos and illustrated by Hogue. Produced by Color/9, c.2003.
Leadmill playing cards
Promotional pack for an arts centre in Sheffield with designs by Martin F. Bedford.
Léonard Biermans, Turnhout
Léonard Biermans had been employed by Brepols from 1871-1874 before opening his own playing card factory in 1875.
Lever Brothers miniatures
Two miniature card games promoting Vim Scouring Powder and Sunshine Soap, 1930s.
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 form of advertisement, but also educational as they cover almost every field of knowledge.
Lion Brand No.1492 : Jet Fuel
Advertising deck for "Jet" fuels, and "Lion Brand" No.1429 manufactured in Belgium by Biermans, 1960s.
Liverpool Daily Post
“Mercury” playing cards produced for the Liverpool Cooperative Society, printed by the Liverpool Daily Post, c.1930
Loewe: Moda Europea Siglo XVII
Luxury pack for the Spanish fashion house Loewe, with 17th century costume designs by Margot Hamilton Hill.
Lorilleux International
Promotional pack for Lorilleux International’s Lotus inks, with designs by James Hodges.
Louis De Poortere
Psychedelic designs promoting Louis De Poortere, a company selling carpets and rugs.
Lucky Buddha Beer
Deck made in China in c.2010 advertising the Chinese brew “Lucky Beer, the enlightened beer”
Manchester United Playing Cards
Deck produced for Manchester United Football Club published in 2006.
Marmite
Fifty-Four images celebrating a UK savoury spread, that has been around one hundred and twenty two years! It's about time!
Max Velthuijs for KLM
Playing cards designed by Max Velthuijs for KLM airlines first published c.1964