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18 chess pieces designed by John Flaxman for Josiah Wedgwood
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John Flaxman RA (1755 - 1826), sculptor
18 chess pieces designed by John Flaxman for Josiah Wedgwood
c.1783
White Jasperware
Museum number: X5
On display: Model Room (pre-booked tours only)
All spaces are in No. 13 Lincoln's Inn Fields unless identified as in No. 12, Soane's first house.
For tours https://www.soane.org/your-visit
Curatorial note
These chess pieces appear to be the original models for the chess sets produced by Wedgwood to Flaxman's designs, which remained in Flaxman's own collection until his death in 1826. They were offered to Soane with other items from that collection by Flaxman's sister-in-law Maria Denman and acquired in March 1834.
In 2015 these chess pieces were reinstated in their original positions in the recreated Model Room Recess as part of Phase 2 of the Opening up the Soane restoration project.
In 2015 these chess pieces were reinstated in their original positions in the recreated Model Room Recess as part of Phase 2 of the Opening up the Soane restoration project.
Literature
Helen Dorey ‘Soane and Flaxman’ in Flaxman: Master of the Purest Line, Exhibition Catalogue, Sir John Soane’s Museum 2003
Soane collections online is being continually updated. If you wish to find out more or if you have any further information about this object please contact us: worksofart@soane.org.uk