Sailors' Sweethearts and Wives (by John Lee) Playing Cards

This design features a painting by the British Victorian artist John Lee (active 1850–1870), who worked in a Pre-Raphaelite style. It depicts a group of sailors saying farewell to their wives and lovers as they depart on a rowing boat to join a naval campaign overseas. One of the sailors is tenderly hugging his wife who is wearing an elaborate red shawl. The view is from the Liverpool dock shore looking towards Birkenhead and Tranmere. St Mary's Church in Birkenhead can be clearly seen as can the windmill on Bidston Hill and another above Tranmere. The original artwork was painted by John Lee in 1860.