Purling London’s chess sets mix the traditional with the edgy to create statement pieces for future generations.
The company is just one of a growing number of bespoke boardgame producers catering to our nostalgia for a bygone time. Not to mention our desire to find increasingly unique centrepieces for the home.
The company’s latest invention is ‘dark chess’. It features a handmade board with different modes of illumination for both play and display, accompanied by beautiful hardwood pieces in traditional Staunton style.
Simon Purkis, Purling London Founder, explains: “I first thought of the idea for Dark Chess when playing the game on a warm summer’s evening on a beach.
“As the sun set I found that it was becoming difficult to identify and differentiate between the chess pieces. It occurred to me that this added another layer to the game – an element of surprise and stealth. I recognised that the ancient pursuit of chess had no need to become more challenging, but playing in the darkness left me thinking… “
Boards and playing pieces can be tailored to the individual – from engraved messages to unique colour schemes – allowing you to create a completely unique, one off design.
Standard Dark Chess: £1,995 from Purling London. Customer commission by quotation only.
To view Purling London’s complete range of chess sets, go to: www.purlinglondon.com