Belisha
Belisha, published by Castell Brothers Ltd (Pepys Games) in 1937, was produced with a desire to make a helpful contribution to the national Safety First campaign.
Belisha card game
Published by Castell Brothers Ltd, 1937
Belisha was published as a new and improved form of the universally popular game of Rummy, offering “more scope for intelligent play”. Based around a motor journey from London to Oban, Belisha was produced with a desire to make a helpful contribution to the national “Safety First” campaign following the introduction of ‘Belisha’ beacons, designed to reduce road casualties, particularly among children. By 1951 the black and white stripes, with Belisha beacons on either side of the road, were approved as ‘Zebra’ crossings. See the Box►
Above: 'Belisha' first published by Castell Brothers Ltd (Pepys Games) in 1937. The cards have period illustrations highlighting safety in motoring situations. The game was named after Leslie Hore-Belisha, the Minister for Transport who introduced yellow flashing lights on black & white striped poles (Belisha Beacons) at Zebra Crossings.
Belisha advertisements: “A Game of Thrills” & “Safety First”
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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