Welcome to the Worshipful Company of
Makers of Playing Cards
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 total 108. The Makers of Playing Cards was a craft, rather than a trade, company. Under the Company's charter, the number of Liverymen is limited to 150.
Originally the Company was created in order to regulate and control the importation of cheap playing cards, to protect the cardmakers and their families and to maintain quality.
The Crown received the benefit of the duties levied by the Company agreeing to pay a tax on all packs, the Ace of Spades being the chosen card to show the tax, every maker of playing cards had to have a mark of his own inrolled to indicate recognition of his name.
This tax on playing cards was abolished on 4 April 1960 as the cost of administration had become excessive.
The true origin of the Company’s Coat of Arms is unknown but an official Grant of Arms was presented on 31 March 1982. The shield shows the four suits with an upright hand holding an Ace of Hearts.
The motto is 'Corde Recto Elati Omnes' meaning 'with an upright heart all will be exalted'.
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 interesed in joining this ancient and Worshipful Company? Contact the Clerk for more information
Latest News
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Mansion House Banquet,7th December 2017, photographs now available to order.
2017 BANQUET PHOTOGRAPHS TO VIEW & ORDER
"Echoes Across the Century"
Click the image above for more information and a video on the "Echoes" project in which WCMPC have participated.
2018 Interlivery Bridge Competition 5th March
2018 RESULTS
See the Makers of Playing Cards Charity Trust Brochure , Information and latest News
MPCC Brochure
MPCC Information
MPCC News
Next Livery Dinners
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11th October 2018 - Liverymen Dinner with Guests at the Mercers' Hall
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The date of this year's Banquet at the Mansion House is confirmed as Thursday 6th December 2018
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Please save the dates.
Court Assistant Dr.Paul Bostock has been commissioned by Bridge Magazine to write monthly articles on Playing Cards.
viewed here
P/M Roddy Somerville has an update to bring another interesting item about unusual packs from the Company's Playing Card Collection
Click the picture to go to the Curator's Corner.
Links to latest items in Member's area
Member's Gallery
(Including the Burn's Night Supper Photographs)
Members News
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Master's Programme for 2017 - 2018
The Master's calendar card for the programme of events for the year can now be downloaded here.
2017/18
Please note corrections and updates if any:
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Download Brochure
Download the PDF Document