ALBATROSS Playing Cards. Sailing between shadows and winds
The sea, with its vastness and mystery, has been the source of stories of bravery and adventure. For centuries, sailors have faced its waters in search of the unknown, crossing storms and discovering new horizons. This new deck pays tribute to that exploration, capturing the essence of the ocean and the courage of those who dare to challenge it: ALBATROSS.
Alex Haines, a good friend of Max Playing Cards based in Manchester, England, found inspiration in the tales of ancient travelers and explorers, becoming especially fascinated by the myth and reality surrounding the 19th-century maritime voyages. It was in these stories, particularly the tale of the Albatross, that his creative vision came to life. The image of the Albatross, a merchant ship that, in 1890, departed from Salford bound for the Americas, loaded with hope and uncertain destiny, gliding through the mist of the sea, became the core of his project.
The Albatross not only evokes the strength of navigation in times of uncertainty but also the fragility of humankind in the face of the relentless elements of the sea. This deck seeks to capture the challenge of those voyages, blending the maritime and the unexplored in every design, from the cards to the smallest details.
The court cards blend tradition and freshness with a design inspired by classic French and Spanish decks. Through a meticulous handmade creation process, it begins with a detailed sketch, where expressive hands and borders interrupted by elements like crowns, swords, and flowers come to life. The addition of texture layers and halftone effects enhance the depth of each card, while the colors are carefully adjusted for the final print. The result is a work that captures a unique vintage charm but with modern usability, thanks to the care with which each stroke is adjusted to perfection.
The aces maintain the same vitality, with the ace of spades standing out for its bold central illustration, where two Marlin swords cross.
The number cards, in turn, evoke a classic and functional feel, with their large numbers and retro style, where details like water stains suggest their use during long nights of play aboard, as the crew gambled the ship’s supplies under the influence of Caribbean rum.
The Kraken, in red, evokes the threat of the depths, while the mermaid, in green, hides a mysterious secret behind her spell. Both jokers bring an intriguing air to the set.
The design of the back is a perfect blend of the classic and the striking, with nautical motifs that evoke the essence of the sea. A traditional back for players and dynamic in its fans for cardistry enthusiasts.
The Albatross No. 5 tuck box, with a matte finish, printed both inside and out, and a metallic print that highlights its visual appeal, is a symbol of quality and dedication.
However, in an audacious twist, the artist has decided to dive even deeper into the story of the Albatross, giving life to a second deck, the Albatross No. 6. This dark version features alternative illustrations that still retain the essence of the project. Through this new deck, the tragic fate of the Albatross ship is revealed, cursed to sail the seven seas in a ghostly form, trapped in an eternal voyage.
The No. 6 deck offers a dark vision of the court cards, redrawn with skeletal figures and corroded objects. The wavy outlines and faded colors evoke a spectral image, as if the figures were perceived through the waters, reflecting the eternal damnation of the Albatross crew.
While the numbered cards remain the same, the ace of spades has been conveniently redesigned.
The two jokers now take on a much more unsettling and sinister appearance.
The black back, entirely monochromatic, beautifully complements the black metallic edges, symbolizing the ship’s sad end at the bottom of the sea.
The No. 6 tuck box, in matte black cardboard with metallic prints in green and silver, features an image of a damaged Albatross in a stormy sea, reflecting its dark transformation. The black gold on the edges adds a final mysterious and elegant touch.
The seals, inspired by 19th-century ships, complete the design of the boxes with white and red colors, evoking the era of classic navigation and adding a sense of antiquity and mystery.
As in his previous campaigns, Alex will entrust the printing of his decks to Legends Playing Cards Co. to ensure the highest quality in materials and finishes.
In addition to the two main decks in this campaign, you can get The Albatross No. 231 Workers, a simplified version of the original deck, removing aged effects, foil details, and the complex tuck box design. It features the same illustrations but in a monochromatic red-on-white scheme. With a more straightforward approach and no extra elements, this deck is a functional and minimalist option for those who appreciate the beauty of simplicity.
Depending on its popularity, this deck will be printed by either Legends or WJPC, both recognized and reputable printing options.
The different contribution levels offer various combinations that include, in addition to the three already mentioned decks, add-ons such as an acrylic tuck box for both decks or a commemorative coin.
Additionally, you can complement your collection with the new Imported Blue deck, a reinvented variation of Alex’s well-known deck that has already become a reference in the playing cards community.
Supporting this campaign is investing in something more than just a product: it’s becoming part of a story. Each card is a window into an epic journey, a work of art made with passion and dedication. Not only is it a unique piece for design and illustration enthusiasts, but a collectible gem that will only increase in value over time. If you want to be part of this story, visit the project website and make your contribution.
Good luck!
