Lyle McCance Collaboration     13th Jul 2008

We're a talented lot at Duncan of Jordanstone, so teaming up with Lyle McCance, a furniture designer who graduated the same year as myself, was a perfect chance to combine some nifty printmaking with top-notch craftsmanship. We got together last year and made this one-off bespoke chess set.

The case is made from the most beautiful American Black Walnut wood, with elegantly cut joints which reflect the checkered pattern of the playing board. The reversible lid slides out to reveal a hand printed board of botanical checks in rich gold lacquer onto smooth leather. Each playing piece has been finished with a rambling of hand painted florals to echo the motif of the board. When you are finished playing, the lid slides open to reveal individual compartments for each playing piece, where they can be nestled onto a hand sewn cushion before the next game.

At £2,000.00, this chess set is firmly at the highly exclusive end of the board game spectrum. A truly unique, one of a kind piece that will provide the right owner with an exquisite theatre to conduct battles of the mind.

Both myself and Lyle have been supported by NESTA's Starter for Six Programme.

And Mr McCance, it's time you got a website sorted out!