The Royal Historical Game of Cards
The Royal Historical Game of Cards invented by Jane Roberts and published by Robert Hardwicke, c.1840.
A very unusual series of 45 etched playing-cards, 9 arranged by centuries with text only, the rest show full-length figures of British rulers from William 1st to Victoria. The images are executed in elaborate detail. A descriptive pamphlet accompanies the cards which is titled “The Royal Historical Game of Cards, invented by Miss Jane Roberts. London: Robert Hardwicke, 26 Duke Street, Piccadilly, and all Booksellers.” Jane Roberts (1792 - after 1861) wrote a quantity of poetry, some of which was published anonymously (a number of unpublished poems and draft plots for novels survive in her notebooks), as well as inventing the Royal Historical Game of Cards, which was mentioned in her journal and published sometime around 1840.
The 9 Century Cards
The nine Century Cards are inscribed with calligraphic text listing the monarchs, which are shown on the remaining cards illustrated below.
Above: the nine Century cards with text only.
The Royal Cards
Above: the Royal Historical Game of Cards invented by Jane Roberts and published by Robert Hardwicke c.1840. Etched engravings printed with bronze powder. The card backs come in a range of colours.
CREDITS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Royal Historical Game of Cards from the collection of Richard Green.
British Museum Prints & Drawings collection online►
Extra research by Ann Smith - www.gamesetal.net►
The January 3rd 1863 issue of Punch magazine includes a column entitled “Nursery Rhymes”, the last verse of which references cards:
“There was a young lady of Crick,
At cards when she lost the odd trick,
She'd stand on her chair
And she'd growl like a bear,
So they threw her down-stairs pretty quick.”
Courtesy Matt Probert.
By Simon Wintle
Member since February 01, 1996
I am the founder of The World of Playing Cards (est. 1996), a website dedicated to the history, artistry and cultural significance of playing cards and tarot. Over the years I have researched various areas of the subject, acquired and traded collections and contributed as a committee member of the IPCS and graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal. Having lived in Chile, England, Wales, and now Spain, these experiences have shaped my work and passion for playing cards. Amongst my achievements is producing a limited-edition replica of a 17th-century English pack using woodblocks and stencils—a labour of love. Today, the World of Playing Cards is a global collaborative project, with my son Adam serving as the technical driving force behind its development. His innovative efforts have helped shape the site into the thriving hub it is today. You are warmly invited to become a contributor and share your enthusiasm.
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