The Sentimental Conversation Cards

The Sentimental Conversation Cards are inspired by a little-known 1770 deck held in the British Museum—originally published as a moral pastime and fortune-telling curiosity in the parlours of Enlightenment-era Britain. This modern edition has been lovingly restored for performers, readers, and collectors alike.

Each card features a single word—RUIN, TRUE LOVE, WISDOM, and so on—linked to a short, rhyming fortune in 18th-century style. The language has been carefully updated to be inclusive and relevant, while still retaining the peculiar charm and rhythm of the original.

The illustrations have been faithfully redrawn to match the woodcut-style originals. The cards are printed on sturdy 350gsm stock, ideal for performance use. They can also be aged by hand to suit your preferred aesthetic—whether for a séance setting, a ritual table, or a cabinet of curiosities.

For those who prefer not to age the cards themselves, the Deluxe Edition includes individually hand-aged cards with a richly worn, antique appearance. Each card is aged by hand, making every deck unique. The cards in the deluxe version are housed in a hand-stained wooden box for storage and display.

A Routine of Intertwined Fates

Included with the deck is a powerful, poetic effect built around the themes of memory, connection, and fate. It begins simply:

• The participant spells the name of someone important to them.
• The card they land on reveals a word—an idea, a message, a reflection.
• After a brief reading is given, the deck is cut.
• Then, they spell their own name… and arrive at the very same card.

The same message. The same word. Two names, two moments—mysteriously joined.

• Instant reset
• No sleight of hand
• No fishing
• No extra gimmicks

This is a self-contained effect designed for bizarre magic, character-driven storytelling, and intimate performance.

Also included:

• A full set of updated game instructions for recreating the original parlour pastime
• A PDF guide with performance instructions for the effect

Whether used as a storytelling prompt, a performance artefact, or a quiet conversation piece, The Sentimental Conversation Cards are more than a deck—they are a restored ritual, a curious relic, and a theatrical tool for those who walk between meaning and mystery.