Join us for a moderated discussion about the exhibition inspired by the history of the modern chess set with Frank Camaratta, Jon Crumiller, Shannon Bailey, and Emily Allred. The Staunton Standard: Evolution of the Modern Chess Set includes a spectacular array of Staunton and Staunton-style chessmen, which were first introduced to the public in September of 1849 and are still the international standard for tournament play. The talk will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the process of researching and organizing The Staunton Standard.
Frank Camaratta is an International Correspondence Chess Master, collector, historian, and founder of The House of Staunton. He is the creator of the 2013 Sinquefield Cup Chess Set, the first weighted DGT chess set, and the designer of the Guinness World Records’ “Largest Chess Piece”—a 20-foot African sapele mahogany Staunton king—installed outside the World Chess Hall of Fame.
A longtime chess fan and competitor, Jon Crumiller purchased his first antique chess set online in 2002. This sparked a passion for research and the beginning of a collection of antique sets which now numbers over 600. Crumiller shares beautiful photographs of his stunning collection with curious chess devotees around the world through his website www.chessantique.com.
Shannon Bailey is the chief curator and Emily Allred is the associate curator at the World Chess Hall of Fame.
Free admission. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments are provided. For more information or to reserve a spot, please email: [email protected].
Metered on-street parking is available, as well as paid lots adjacent to Kingside Diner and at the Schlafly branch of the St. Louis Public Library.
Saturday, Aug 18 – 11:00 am
