Cries of London
The cards were printed from copper plates, with the red suit symbols being applied later by stencil. The court cards contain interesting miniature versions of the standard full-length figures used on playing cards at the time
Cries of London Playing Cards, c.1754
John Kirk’s Cries of London Playing Cards were first published in around 1754. Criers earned their living by walking the streets, selling their wares or providing services to the community, and drawing attention to their presence by bawling characteristic songs or playing on musical instruments. The practice was universal but has declined in recent times. The cards were printed from copper plates, with the red suit symbols being applied later by stencil. The court cards contain miniature versions of the full-length figures used on playing cards at the time.
Above: cards from a facsimile edition courtesy Giles de Margary. Packs can be ordered directly from www.harrymargary.com
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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