*SOLD* The High-Kings of Ireland; Fergus O’Farrell’s ‘Brian Boru’ Chessmen, Irish, c.1980

Regali d’Iberniae (High-Kings of Ireland); 32 hand-crafted wooden chess pieces without board, mixed media (maple wood/metal), partially weighted, natural vs. dark walnut, artistically restored and reimagined, c.1975-1985. Made in the workshop of the Irish artist/sculptor, Fergus O’Farrell (d.2008), Dublin, Ireland.

 

Light Pieces:

King, 11cm, weight 46g, base width 3cm; Queen 10.8cm, wt 26g, bw 3cm; Bishop 11cm 46g bw 3cm; Knight 7.5cm 34g bw 3cm; Rook 7.8cm 35g bw 3.3cm; Pawns 6.3cm 18g bw 3cm.

 

Dark pieces:

King, 11.5cm, weight 37g, base width 3cm; Queen 11.5cm, wt 26g, bw 3cm; Bishop 9.5cm 40g 3cm, Knight 9cm 32g bw 3.7cm, Rook 9.5cm 25g bw 3cm, Pawns 7.5cm 20g 3cm

W: Black felt pads; B:same 

Kings carry the 2023 ‘Power’ signature; Queens carry the honorary O’Farrell signature.

 

Should you have missed it, our February Chessay ‘The Rebirth of the Irish High-King, Brian Boru’ is dedicated to the transformation of this unique chess set created by the late Dublin artist, Fergus O’Farrell.

 

Only minor restoration work was needed on this set. One of the white bishop’s crooks has been replicated and a shield of a white pawn was missing and has been replaced. The set consists of various components which differ slightly in size, shape and in a few cases species of wood, all of which lend the set great character.

 

The High-Kings was a challenging project but also a very rewarding one. I like to think that this is the only ‘playable’ O’Farrell set on the planet and therefore it seemed only fitting that they should re-enter the chess-world on St.Patrick’s Day!

 

May the High-Kings (and the bishop, Saint Patrick!) bring you good fortune in battle and in life.