Double Deck Carta Mundi “Playing Politics” Playing Cards, Intercol/V&A Museum (Publ.), Marc, Trog, Scarfe, Springs (Illus.), c.1983

Collectibles : Playing Cards Belgium : Carta Mundi "Playing Politics"

 

Outstanding double deck of cards, titled “Playing Politics” and subtitled “Cabinet Shuffle,” commissioned and published by the Victoria and Albert Museum in association with Intercol London, and printed by Carta Mundi, c.1983, with illustrations by then leading British caricaturists, Marc, Trog, Gerald Scarfe, and John Springs. From the accompanying pamphlet: “This 1983 pack of cards, specially commissioned by the Victoria and Albert Museum, follows on a long tradition of publishing political decks which goes back to the middle of the 17th century.”

Each illustrator designed the Aces and court cards for one of the four suits: Marc – Diamonds (and Jokers); Trog – Clubs; Scarfe – Spades; and Springs – Hearts. The illustrations are of then leading political leaders in the four major British political parties: Conservative Party (Margaret Thatcher, etc.); Labour Party (Michael Foot, etc.); Liberal Party (David Steel, etc.); and Social Democratic Party (Roy Jenkins, etc.). There are 52 cards in each deck, plus 2 Jokers, with an accompanying booklet that briefly describes the artists, and identifies the persons illustrated. The cards are wide, measuring 90mm x 63mm, and the entire set is housed in its original handsome box.

The cards are in mint condition, with one deck still sealed and the other deck just out of its wrapper. The box and booklet are also in mint condition, except that there is a remnant of a price or other tag on one side of the box. I believe that this remnant will come off without damage to the underlying box, but I have not attempted it. The point is that the spot shown is not damage to the original box, but what is left of this tag.

There is a single deck of these cards for sale in this shop (T0000543).

Reference: Fournier, Playing Cards II, British Isles 540

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Item ID: T0000444