The Art & Design of Playing Cards
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.
Fashion Face Off
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by Matt Probert
“Fashion Face Off” card game illustrated by Erin Petson for Laurence King Publishing, c.2011.
Festa Major de Vilafranca 1988
Colourful figures associated with the annual festival held in Vilafranca, Catalonia.
Fondation Charcot Stichting
Multi-artist promotion deck for Le Fondation Charcot, a Multiple Sclerosis charity in Belgium, c.1990.
Four Centuries
“Four Centuries” playing cards by Esselte Öbergs with court cards depicted as caricatures from different historical periods.
Four Point
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by Simon Wintle
“Four Point” playing cards, a labour of love designed and illustrated by Ben Vierck, 2014
France Royale Bridge
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by Matt Probert
“France Royale” Bridge playing cards by Willy Mayrl depict historical characters from France’s royal past.
Frozen Court - The Aethiopic Rendering
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by Simon Wintle
A deck made specifically for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first African-american college fraternity, for their 2000 convention.
Gedimino Stulpai
Gedimino Stulpai playing cards made in Lithuania by Spindulys Printing Co., Kaunas, depicting Lithuanian national symbolism.
Geneviève Lirola
Stylish modern designs by the painter, decorator and ceramist Geneviève Lirola, featuring unity of colours in each suit.
Gods of Egypt
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by Matt Probert
Gods of Egypt playing cards dedicated to the culture of Ancient Egypt.
Goodall’s “Historic” Playing Cards
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by Simon Wintle
Goodall’s “Historic” Playing Cards depict royal costumes of four periods in English history, 1893.
Graciela Rodo Boulanger
Boulanger's paintings and graphic art works are easily recognized. The Latin American influence is an integral part of her work. The use of light and contrasting colours are reminiscent of her years spent in La Paz, memories of her native country.
Granbergs No.101 Standardkort
Olle Hjortzberg (1872-1959) designed these playing cards for Granbergs AB in c.1924 in ‘Art Nouveau’ style.
Heathen Divinities
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by Simon Wintle
Handmade playing cards from the British Museum depicting classical Greek and Roman gods and goddesses.
