The EPCS was founded in 1984 by Peter Way and Major R.T. Donald Welsh to encourage research into the history and development of playing cards and card games, and to provide a forum for exchanging knowledge and information. Although the Society has a particular interest in English playing cards, its Newsletter and activities reflect the international history and variety of playing cards.
The Society motif
The Society motif is based on the dog and the devil, “Deuce and Tray”, illustrated in The History of Playing Cards by Rev. E.S. Taylor (1865). An Ace of Spades completes the representation of the first three cards in a standard pack: ace, deuce and three.
The Society logo
The EPCS logo is based on the “Garter” Ace of Spades by Thomas Wheeler and incorporates the Society motif at its centre.
Society information
The Society publishes the EPCS Newsletter three times a year. Members can also explore the sample Newsletter and the Society’s publications and projects:
Read the Constitution for the Society’s aims and membership provisions, or visit the Committee page to meet the people who help organise the Society and its publications.