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.
59: Owen Jones (1809-74) and De La Rue
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by Ken Lodge
A selection of examples of Owen Jones's work printed by De La Rue.
Barribal Series
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by Simon Wintle
William H. Barribal (1873 - 1956) was a London artist who created the Waddingtons 'Barribal' playing cards series, which are avidly collected today.
Owen Jones (1809-1874)
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by Simon Wintle
Owen Jones (1809-1874) was a Welsh architect and interior designer who designed the backs of playing cards for Thomas de la Rue.
Playing Card Design
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by Simon Wintle
The playing card calls for artistic treatment and although the constrained size imposes some limitations there is an almost bewildering wealth and variety of designs in playing cards and their tuck boxes. The serious player requires design to be unobtrusive so that aesthetic considerations remain in the background. However, with modern manufacturing technology more eye-catching designs are becoming popular as gifts, collectibles and for their attractive appearance.
Waddington Back Designs
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by Ken Lodge
Waddington back designs found in John Berry's Archive volume, spanning from the 1920s to the 1940s.
