Léonard Biermans
21: Belgian Makers: Brepols and Biermans
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by Ken Lodge
Brepols started making playing cards in 1826, although he had been in the printing trade since 1800. In 1833 the firm was called Brepols & Dierckx (the former's son-in-law). Biermans (1875-1970) was a relatively late arrival on the Turnhout playing card scene.
A Todos Alumbra
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by Simon Wintle
40-card "A Todos Alumbra - Naypes Refinos" pack manufactured by Léonard Biermans, Turnhout, c.1880.
Biermans for the Estanco de Naipes del Peru
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by Simon Wintle
Standard Genoese pattern with French indices made by Biermans for Cigarrillo Holiday and the Estanco de Naipes del Perú.
Biermans Genoese pattern
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by Matt Probert
Biermans Genoese pattern for Clayson agricultural machinery, late 1960s.
Cartes de Luxe (1877) facsimile
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by Simon Wintle
‘Cartes de Luxe’ first published by Biermans in 1877 was reproduced in facsimile by Amstel Beer in c.1980.
Léonard Biermans, Turnhout
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by Simon Wintle
Léonard Biermans had been employed by Brepols from 1871-1874 before opening his own playing card factory in 1875.
Lion Brand No.1492 : Jet Fuel
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by Matt Probert
Advertising deck for "Jet" fuels, and "Lion Brand" No.1429 manufactured in Belgium by Biermans, 1960s.
Moguls, Highlanders and Merry Andrews
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by Paul Bostock
Discover the historic origins and evolution of card naming and quality designations like ‘Moguls’ and ‘Highlanders’ in playing cards.
Naypes Finos made in Belgium
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by Simon Wintle
Belgian manufacturers were competing against Spanish makers. Features of the traditional Spanish designs, including many well-known brands, were imitated or plagiarised.
Portuguese Type Cards made in Belgium
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by Simon Wintle
Portuguese Type Playing Cards made in Belgium, c.1878.
Tunisia
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by Simon Wintle
Playing Cards in Tunisia. Chkobba is one of the most popular card games in Tunisia, mainly played by men in coffee shops but also played at home by men and women alike.