Paul Bostock
- United Kingdom • Member since May 07, 2024
Paul has been a collector of playing cards since his early teenage years, the mid 1970s. In the last 20 years or so he has specialised in standard English cards and their story. His collection, including many other English Standards, are featured on his website plainbacks.com. Paul is currently editor of Clear the Decks, the Journal of 52 Plus Joker, the American club for playing card collectors, and is a member of the IPCS Council, an EPCS member and a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing cards, a City of London livery company.
Ganjifa - Playing Cards from India
Indian playing cards, known as Ganjifa, feature intricate designs with twelve suits and are traditionally hand-painted.
Moguls, Highlanders and Merry Andrews
Discover the historic origins and evolution of card naming and quality designations like ‘Moguls’ and ‘Highlanders’ in playing cards.
Classification of Numeral Card Designs in French-suited packs
The classification of numeral cards in French-suited packs, covering various pip designs in over 400 packs from English, American, and French origins, and highlighting both historical and modern patterns.
The Henry Hart Puzzle
Explore the intricate history and unique design variations of Henry Hart's playing cards, tracing their journey from 18th-century England to America.
Playing Card Research Archives maintained by The Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards
The Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards maintains an extensive archive of materials from notable playing card researchers, available for study by arrangement in Bicester.
A Million Dollar Tarot: The Alleyman’s Tarot
The Alleyman’s Tarot successfully raised $1,404,172 on Kickstarter. This unique 133-card deck includes a mix of traditional and non-traditional tarot cards, offering a new approach to tarot readings.
Are Playing Cards a Good Investment?
Playing cards can appreciate modestly, with historical annual gains of 2-3%. Rare cards offer higher returns; condition and initial price impact value.
English cards from the reign of Charles II
This article explores a historic pack of English playing cards from circa 1675, likely used by King Charles II and Queen Catherine, detailing their significance, history and unique features
Why our playing-cards look the way they do
Analysis of early playing card designs: origins, suit differences, standardization, technological advancements and key innovations leading to modern designs.
Introduction to Collecting Themes
Playing cards can be broadly categorised into standard and non-standard designs, with collectors appreciating their variety.
Portrait Playing Cards
Portrait playing cards, featuring realistic drawings of people on the court cards instead of traditional stylized figures, originated in the 18th century and continue to gain popularity.