The Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards
The Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards
One of the early Trade Guilds, The Company of the "Mistery of Makers of Playing Cards of the City of London" was founded by Charter granted by King Charles I in 1628. It was incorporated to protect the English manufacturers of playing cards from overseas suppliers and to regulate the trade in London and it's environs. However, it did not obtain it's livery until 1792 and hence is number 75 of the Livery Companies of the City of London that totals 107 but continues to expand to this day.
Since 1882 the Company has issued a pack of cards annually to celebrate the election and installation of the Master and Wardens of the Court. It is the privilege of the New Masters to design this limited edition double pack to recognise either an important national or city event that occured in the year of elecetion, or an anniversary that takes place in the year of office. By tradition the design on the back of the cards incorporates the Company's name, coat of arms and year of office. The Master's portrait and name together with the names of the Wardens and Clerk are incorporated on the Ace of Spades.
