Lorilleux International
Promotional pack for Lorilleux International’s Lotus inks, with designs by James Hodges.
Making and supplying inks for the printing industry was always Lorilleux’s principal activity. The business started in Paris in 1818. To promote their Lotus inks, James Hodges (1928-2019) created these bold designs with their strong outlines and vibrant colours. The double-ended courts represent famous printers (Ks), illustrious female writers (Qs), and workers in different areas of the printing industry (Js). Each is set against an enlarged suit-sign. The Aces are decorated. Charles and Pierre Lorilleux appear on the Jokers, with the former also carrying the name of the artist, J. Hodges. The packs were made for distribution at a printing industry trade fair.
Above: promotional deck for Lorilleux International with designs by James Hodges printed by Boéchat Frères (“Héron”), Mérignac, France. Published by Editions Dusserre, Paris, France, 1988. 52 cards + 2 Jokers + 1 title card in tuck box. Size: 63 x 88 mm.
The box is the same front and back, simply showing the back design • See the box
By Roddy Somerville
Member since May 31, 2022
Roddy started collecting stamps on his 8th birthday. In 1977 he joined the newly formed playing-card department at Stanley Gibbons in London before setting up his own business in Edinburgh four years later. His collecting interests include playing cards, postcards, stamps (especially playing cards on stamps) and sugar wrappers. He is a Past President of the Scottish Philatelic Society, a former Chairman of the IPCS, a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards and Curator of the WCMPC’s collection of playing cards. He lives near Toulouse in France.
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