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A Game at Chess with Living Pieces, 1882
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A Game at Chess with Living Pieces, 1882
A Game at Chess with Living Pieces, 1882. Unusual game at Heighington near Darlington. Illustration published in The Illustrated London News, (1882)
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Media ID 14913635
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
Board Game Chess Chess Piece Chessman County Durham Game Human Living Marquee Tent Tents Pastime Print Collector4
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a truly extraordinary scene from the 19th century - "A Game at Chess with Living Pieces, 1882". Set in the picturesque county of Durham, specifically in Heighington near Darlington, this unusual game unfolds within a beautifully landscaped garden. The image was originally published in The Illustrated London News, providing readers with a glimpse into this remarkable spectacle. Intriguingly, instead of traditional chess pieces, human figures donning vibrant costumes take on the roles of pawns and knights on an oversized chessboard. The colorfully dressed participants move strategically across the board under the watchful eyes of spectators gathered within an elegant marquee tent. Tents dotting the lush garden add to the enchanting atmosphere surrounding this pastime. The photograph's composition expertly captures both the grandeur of this unique event and its harmonious integration with nature. It transports viewers back to a time when leisure activities were celebrated as art forms themselves. Although we do not know who precisely captured this momentous occasion or orchestrated such an imaginative game, their legacy lives on through this mesmerizing print. As we admire this piece today courtesy of The Print Collector archives (not affiliated with any company), let us appreciate how it encapsulates not only a bygone era but also our timeless fascination with games that transcend mere entertainment.
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