A 48 card game similar to and with the same rules as Happy Families. Happy Artisans was A Christmas present made by the architect Oliver Hill, and given in 1963 to his collaborator John Cornforth. Their book English Country Houses: Caroline 1625 - 1685 was published in 1966 by Country Life and includes most of the characters depicted on the cards. This edition was published to coincide with the exhibition 'Oliver Hill, Architect and Lover of Life' at the RIBA Heinz Gallery, 19th January to 4th March 1989. Published by Mouton Publications, 99 Judd Street, London WC1 with permission from John Cornforth. Box measure 8 x 5.5cm.
The original game was not a mass-market product, but rather a Christmas present designed by Oliver Hill and given to a close friend in his circle in 1963 with a focus on craftsmanship and a particular, sophisticated aesthetic ("Mannerist"). Given that Oliver Hill was a prominent 1930s modernist architect known for his work in the Art Deco style (e.g., Joldwynds, The Midland Hotel), the game reflects his interest in, and ironic take on, traditional British country life and building, blending it with modernist sensibilities. The use of the phrase "Country Life Mannerist Boys Brigade" showed a satirical or witty look at the British architectural establishment, particularly those associated with Country Life magazine, which heavily featured country houses. This 1989 reprint is an uncommon item of interest to collectors of games and ephemera related to 20th-century architects.