item details
NameHappy Families cards
ProductionJohn Jaques and Son; publisher; c 1940; London
Sir John Tenniel; artist; 1851; London
Sir John Tenniel; artist; 1851; London
Classificationcards
Materialspaper, ink
DimensionsOverall: 65mm (width), 93mm (height), 1mm (depth)
Registration NumberGH025115
Credit lineGift of Bridget Austin, 2016
Overview
When Bridget came to live in New Zealand in 1957, she chose to bring a small selection of items from her childhood. Among her most prized possessions was this set of Happy Families cards.
The set is still in excellent condition, and is an example of the early 20th century updated version of the game. The maker, Jaques of London, continue to sell a similar version of the original 1880s game today.
The original designs were created by Sir John Tenniel, illustrator for ‘Punch’ magazine, and Lewis Caroll’s famous ‘Alice in Wonderland’.