Final Day on Kickstarter, Old Paris Playing Cards

Stepping back into the 15th century, the Old Paris deck by Ian Cumpstey offers a rare glimpse into the formative years of French playing card design. This project serves as a sophisticated reconstruction of the legendary Guymier sheet, successfully bridging a historical gap by completing the missing court card set through rigorous research and period-accurate illustration.

Ian has redrawn the court cards with a commitment to authenticity, utilizing gouache painting techniques to emulate traditional stencil coloring. By studying fragmentary evidence from the British Museum and the V&A, the deck features the classic named court cards...  such as the hero Hogier and the formidable Argine. Restored to their intended glory.

The aesthetic choice extends to the pip cards, which adopt a minimalist, one-way design that honors the simplicity of early woodcut aesthetics. Complementing the historical allure, the tuck box mimics the charm of vintage card wrappers, housing a deck that feels less like a modern accessory and more like a discovered antique.

Every aspect of this project was thoughtfully planned, ensuring that the linework and color palette harmonize with the legacy of the Paris pattern. This release strikes a natural balance between academic archival work and the tangible satisfaction of a playable, luxury-grade deck.

For those captivated by the lore of named court cards, this campaign also features an accompanying 100-page book detailing the history of these regal figures. It is an essential companion for collectors who value the intersection of cardistry and historical research.

Printed by Ivory Graphics in England, this book/deck set is currently available on Kickstarter for $25.