October’s Featured Chess Set is from the collection of the World Chess Hall of Fame. Since its creation in 1986, the World Chess Hall of Fame (WCHOF) has endeavored to highlight the history and cultural significance of the game of chess. The WCHOF’s collection is diverse and includes sets once owned by legendary players, mass-produced sets with lively pop culture themes, antique ivory sets, travel sets, as well as chess computers. This month’s featured chess set became part of the WCHOF’s collection in 2018.
Sammy Palmer
Pumpkin vs. Ghost Chess Set
2018
King size: Ghost: 1 ½ in.; Pumpkin: 1 ⅜ in.
Stonecast, acrylic paint, and varnish
Collection of the World Chess Hall of Fame
Spooky ghosts and grinning jack-o’-lanterns face off in this whimsical Halloween-themed chess set. Sammy Palmer, a disabled artist living and working in the southern coast of England, created the set. Palmer, who is self-taught, has produced many chess sets featuring creative themes, including cows vs. sheep, cats vs. dogs, and Santa vs. snowmen. Palmer first made this one as a fun set for her family to play with. Family also provides inspiration for her other sets’ themes, which often feature her children’s favorite animals. Palmer’s chess sets, jewelry, and gifts are available exclusively through HandmadebyDragon on Etsy.
