copy-home-page-jan-2020

Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards

A Welcome from The Master

Welcome to our website. We offer a varied programme of events to suit all interests.  On our website, you will find information about the background of our Company and the role we have within the City today as well as fascinating information about playing cards and their history.

I hope you enjoy looking through the site and please feel free to get in touch if there is anything we can help you with.

Dr (Christopher) John Eaton Esq. MB BS LRCP MRCS
Master Worshipful Company of Makers of Playingcards

Masters Cards 2019 /20

WCMPC LATEST NEWS

A Brief Company History

The Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards is one of the early Trade Guilds in the City of London.

The Company was founded as the:
"Mistery (trade, art, or occupation) of Makers of Playing Cards of the City of London"
by a Charter granted by King Charles I on 22nd October 1628.

Some 164 years later, on 27th November 1792 the Court of Aldermen of the City of London granted the Company its Livery. Accordingly, though 75th in order of precedence, it is one of the older of the City Livery Companies, which now number 110.

The Makers of Playing Cards is a craft, rather than a trade, Company.

Artist's impression of the Company's House
at St John's Gate Spitalfields
Used for the Masters Installation Cards in 1884

The Company Today

Since the formation of the Company in the Middle Ages when playing cards were the sole entertainment for the population, the production and use of playing cards in London has declined. Today the Company still has card makers as Members.

However, the Company has many other Members connected with playing cards including card collectors, dealers, bridge players, magicians and other professions.

If you are interested in helping to "Make a Difference" in the City and beyond, please visit our Membership link to find out more about how we can help you to make the best use of your skills.

COMPANY NEWS & EVENTS

Mansion House Banquet, 6th December 2018.
Photographs now available to order.

Company of Makers of Playing Cards
Masters Programme

Next Livery Dinner
Hever Castle September 14th  2019

MAKERS OF PLAYING CARDS CHARITY

Makers of Playing Cards Charity
Download Our Brochure

Makers of Playing Cards Charity
Our Information

Makers of Playing Cards Charity
Our News

INTER LIVERY BRIDGE COMPETITION AND INTERESTING ARTICLES

Inter Livery  Bridge Competition
Monday 4th March 2019

Articles by Court Assistant Dr Paul Bostock 
Monthly Articles on Playing Cards

PM Roddy Somerville Curators Corner
Unusual Packs From Our Collection

CONTACT US

CALL: 01869 389958

Or complete our contact form below:

A FORCE FOR GOOD

Corde Recto Elati Omnes:
With an Upright Heart All Are Exalted
The Company has been a "Force for Good" in the City for over 380 years. From enabling leisure and entertainment in the Coffee Houses, Parlours and Ale Taverns of King Charles's time, to our more modern role of providing opportunities for disadvantaged children, we have always attracted able people who want to make a difference.

If you are interested in helping to "Make a Difference" in the City and beyond, please contact the Clerk to find out more about how we might help you to make the best use of your skills.

OUR CARD COLLECTION

WCMPC Card Collection
We have a large collection of cards and papers relating to playing cards over the centuries and currently stored at the
London Metropolitan Archive.

WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF MAKERS OF PLAYING CARDS 2019