Circus Transformation Cards

Published January 16, 2014 Updated June 22, 2022

Deluxe Limited Edition Circus Transformation Deck designed by F. Robert Schick, 1988

1988 USA Cartamundi Frank Robert Schick Circus

Circus Transformation Deck by F. Robert Schick, 1988

Circus Transformation deck, based on an imaginary Circus theme, was designed by Frank Robert Schick (1924 – 1988), whose signature can be seen on every card. It is presented in a wooden box with a explanatory booklet describing the card designs and a commemorative gold medal. The Jacks are all clowns. The pip cards have been cleverly transformed into miniature illustrations involving animals and figures. The cards are larger than standard and made by Carta Mundi, Belgium, in a limited edition of 1,000 copies. The artist was born in New York City. He received his training in the Arts at Fort Wayne Art Academy, in the State of Indiana. The deck was published posthumously by his wife on his passing on 16 June 1988. See the Flyer

Circus Transformation deck designed by Frank Robert Schick, 1988 Circus Transformation deck designed by Frank Robert Schick, 1988

Above: Circus Transformation deck, based on a Circus theme, designed by Frank Robert Schick 1924 – 1988) and made by Carta Mundi, Belgium, in a limited edition of 1,000 copies. Published in 1988. The set includes a commemorative gold medal and an explanatory booklet.

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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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