Nigel's WebSpace - English Football Cards - Letraset

Nigel's Webspace - Galleries of English Football Cards 1965/66 - 1979/80

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Letraset. Letraset, formed in 1956, introduced the concept of transferring lettering from sheets onto other materials e.g. paper. As part of this process they introduced a number of fonts which are still popular today. As they expanded, they branched out from letter transfers into image transfers, including colour images and, importantly for this site, soccer action transfers. They produced a range of interesting transfer items from the mid-60s onwards (see a range at this website) until the advent of computers made their techniques virtually obsolete. Letraset was acquired by Esselte in 1981, and in 2001 Esselte sold Letraset to a couple of its directors. The new Letraset develops and market fonts. Letraset action transfers are interesting because they represent a technology which was invented, became popular, and then obsolete, all within about 25 years. In order that this little slice of history not be lost there is a Society for the Preservation of Letraset Action Transfers (SPLAT) - click here for their website.

1969/70
Patterson Blick, Instant Picture Books. In late 1969 or early 1970, Patterson Blick produced a series of well-written and well-produced Instant Picture Books. The books were compiled by Dennis Knight, illustrated by Ralph Bruce. Number 24 in the series is entitled 'Football'. It includes 10-pages of text on football, and a double-page inside spread and inside back cover for kids to apply the transfers provided. The transfers were produced for Patterson Blick by Letraset, and numbered GK27. The Instant Picture Book is © 1970 Patterson Blick. The transfers are © 1969. The initial series of Instant Picture Books was 28, though the Football book states 'Watch for new titles'. This excellent site includes most of these titles, up to number 41. Set size: 40+
1971/72
Soccer Action Replay. Letraset's first eponymous foray into the football collectables marketplace. A set of 24 Action Transfers where you received a set of transfers and a 'scene'. The scene was printed in the middle of a fold-out paper folder, and you were supposed to apply the transfers in order to make up the specified action replay e.g. a hand ball or a brilliant header. As well as featuring an action replay each item featured a top player, with an image of that player which could be rubbed onto a space in the folder. This set is called Letraset Soccer Action Replay. It is referred to as 'An Action Transfers Product'. The transfer sheets are numbered GK 105/1 to GK 105/24. On the back of each folder it states: © 1971 Letraset Limited Letraset Consumer Products 195 Waterloo Road London SE1 Printed in England Set size: 24 Checklists: Set checklist

Soccer Action Replay - Scottish edition. A small Scottish set from Letraset, featuring key games and players. This set is called Soccer Action Replay. It is referred to as 'An Action Transfer Product'. The transfer sheets are understood to be numbered GK 120/1 to GK 120/12. On the back of each folder it refers to: © 1972 Letraset International Limited Letraset International Limited 195 Waterloo Road London SE1 8XJ Set size: 12 Checklists: Set checklist
1972/73
Soccer Action Replay. A second English set from Letraset, similar to the first. It still gives you a scene, though this time the transfers are from a specific game e.g. 1971/72 F.A. Cup Final. Instead of providing a transfer of a top player you only get two 'Star photos' this time (boring!). Most of the scenes featured in this set are from the 1971/72 season, which I am guessing dates the set (since there is no © date on the folder). This set is called Soccer Action Replay. It is referred to as 'A Letraset Action Transfer Product'. The transfer sheets are understood to be numbered GK 122/1 to GK 122/24. On the back of each folder it refers to: Letraset Consumer Products Kingsnorth Industrial Estate Wotton Road Ashford, Kent Set size: 24 Checklists: Set checklist

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