Chessboard Tambour

The work

A long, demanding project that became something of a personal challenge: the first chessboard from the workshop with a tambour closure, its pieces carved entirely by hand. Slide the tambour open and the game is revealed; close it, and the board becomes a quiet, sculptural object.

Materials and making

The board is made in wengé and ash, the pieces in wengé and cypress. Each piece is weighted with lead, like a regulation tournament set, so that it sits firmly on its square. Finished with a fine natural wax.