The State Collection of Artefacts: Specially Commissioned Chess Set 2021
In June 2021, the Courts Baron (New Weddington’s decision-making body) came to an agreement that the New Weddington Isles State Artefacts Collections should include items that look forward to the Isles’ future as well as their past as a former Manor in England.
To that end, a unique chess board was commissioned by the Department of Arts. It was felt that a chess set was an ideal symbol – allowing for past and future icons in the chess pieces themselves; and reflecting the Isles’ values of friendly competition and strategy. It was agreed that the Chess Artefact should be a unique item, with chess pieces added as and when relevant items were found or created – for instance, the pawns feature our national animal, the seven-legged octopus (yes, these do exist!). Similarly, the Knight piece features a bear head – a reflection of the New Isles “merbear” featured on the blazon and a reference to New Weddington’s manorial past in England where the Warwickshire County emblem is a Bear and Staff. Our Department of Arts and Culture passed the brief for this item to Creative Designer, Lady Katherine Revell; who also fashions our bespoke ceremonial medals, and we are now delighted to announce the finished article can be announced. See links on right for details of each piece and its meaning. A booklet on this artefact is planned for the near future, along with a set of postcards of the State Artefacts Collection. This will be announced soon. In the meantime click on the links to the right for more information. |