BATES, E.K. Croydon [London U.K.] 1909. A most unusual group of 13 playing cards consisting of four suits of court cards [ Jack , Queen and King of each suit], plus a duty ace of spades bearing the words “ Painted by E.K.Bates, Croydon 1909.” Outlines in blue pen work with gouache paint used on the court cards, and black ink for the duty ace. The playing cards are painted on to thick card, somewhat toned, with a white background , the backs also hand painted. The detail on the cards is exceptionally fine work- only close viewing reveals the cards to be hand painted. We have not been able to definitively trace the artist.
