Medieval chess pieces in exhibition
(UKPA) – October 1, 2009
A major touring exhibition of one of the greatest archaeological discoveries made in Scotland has been announced.
The Lewis Chessmen, thought to have been made in Norway in the late 12th or 13th century, were discovered on the Isle of Lewis in 1831.
Since then most of the chess pieces were kept in the British Museum, with 11 pieces on display in Scotland.
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
Susan wheres the African guys? No chess organization, weak ratings, and no chess pieces? Cmon Susan the Blackies gotta know something about chess, do they mean we know nuttin? we gotta know somethin huh? At least a lil Nc7 f5 idea huh? hehehe. I WANTED some of that cake Ben had! hahaha.
Do we know tour details (where, when, who’s running it)?
Also, with the current antiquities/provenance controversy, where should the Lewis Chessmen reside? The British Museum, Scotland, or Norway?
Were these pieces used for real chess or for some other game and only referred to as chessmen for convenience?
These are the most beautiful pieces of chess I ever saw!
The Lewis Chessmen certainly seem to represent the second most recognisable style of chess piece, second only to Staunton of course. They are certainly quite iconic.