The Pips ♠️♥️♣️♦️ – A Series of Assemblage Artworks

I’ve always been drawn to bold, graphic shapes and the stories behind them – how they originated and what they symbolise. When I discovered a beautiful vintage spinning suit indicator used in games of bridge, it sparked an idea: to create a series of four assemblage artworks celebrating the iconic suits from playing cards.

Through my curious collections, I’ve found that game pieces often hold the deepest nostalgia for people. Whether it’s a favourite Monopoly counter (mine was always the dog!) or a traditional family game of Pinochle at Christmas, these small objects are tied to treasured memories.

The Pips is a series of four works featuring the instantly recognisable suits – spades, hearts, clubs, and diamonds. These symbols, also known as ‘pips’, have a fascinating history, with different cultures adapting them over time to reflect their societies. You can read more about my research here.

Each artwork is carefully constructed using approximately 40 vintage and antique curios, all chosen in the classic red and black hues of playing cards. Some of my favourite finds in this series include a hand-painted lobster sandwich plaque, a 1930s red Totopoly horse counter, a “His Master’s Voice” HMV gramophone needle tin (c1930s), and a glass vial of antique toothache tincture.

Each piece measures 39cm (wide) x 53cm (high) x 4cm (deep) and is professionally framed and glazed with Art Glass AR 70 by Simon at Brushwood Framed, Leytonstone.

Looking for a single artwork? I’d be delighted to create a custom piece just for you, either in the traditional red and black or a colour scheme of your choosing. These bespoke artworks are made to order, with a lead time of 6–8 weeks, and are priced at £925.