Lot Essay
Cf. Reilly, Wedgwood, vol. I, figs. 962, 963 and Dictionary, pp. 86-87.
An invoice dated 30 October 1783 from John Flaxman in the archives of The Wedgwood Musuem, Baclaston notes a charge of FF1:50:0 for 'A figure of a fool for chess'. this notation is thought to refer to a model for a full set of chess men and illustrated in a signed drawing by Flaxman also in the Museum's collection. The set, with figures, thought to have been based on famout actors and actresses in Shakespearian roles, proved very popular. Between 1785 and 1795, 130 sets were sold in a variety of bodies. The set was again produced in the mid-19th century.
An invoice dated 30 October 1783 from John Flaxman in the archives of The Wedgwood Musuem, Baclaston notes a charge of FF1:50:0 for 'A figure of a fool for chess'. this notation is thought to refer to a model for a full set of chess men and illustrated in a signed drawing by Flaxman also in the Museum's collection. The set, with figures, thought to have been based on famout actors and actresses in Shakespearian roles, proved very popular. Between 1785 and 1795, 130 sets were sold in a variety of bodies. The set was again produced in the mid-19th century.