Playing Politics

Mint, sealed deck of outstanding 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." The cards are pamphlet are sealed inside the box, but the cards can be seen at the World Web Playing Card Museum. (WWPCM #01441) 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 the 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 come in a very nice original box. The cards are in mint condition, sealed inside the box by a V&A tag on the outside. The box and booklet are also in mint condition.