London skyline recreated in chess pieces

By Creative Bloq Staff
published

New Kickstarter project sees famous London landmarks transformed into a beautiful and unique version of the popular strategy board game.

Skyline chess

Reinventing the chess set has long been a great way for designers to express their creativity. But this one, developed by friends Chris Prosser and Ian Flood, really stands out with its use of famous landmarks (opens in new tab) from the UK capital.

Based in London, the duo met whilst working together within an architecture practice several years ago and realised they had much in common. "We both love living in London and along with its lifestyle and culture find it an inspiring place to be," says Prosser. "We enjoy playing chess and developed Skyline Chess as a way of combining both our passion for design and chess."

The pair spent a lot of time deciding on suitable alternatives to original chess pieces, the result being each represented by beautiful, handcrafted versions of iconic London architecture. Currently a Kickstarter project (opens in new tab), the team needs to raise $25,000 before the end of September in order to get Skyline Chess funded.

Skyline chess

Pawn - represented by the quintessential London abode, the humble terraced house

Bishop - The team explain 'this couldn't be played by any other piece other than 50 St Mary Axe (or the Gherkin) the form of this building perfectly suited the role'

Bishop - The team explain 'this couldn't be played by any other piece other than 50 St Mary Axe (or the Gherkin) the form of this building perfectly suited the role'

Skyline chess

Knight - The team found that 'this one was tricky, but what better way to see the whole board than from the London Eye?'

Skyline chess

Rook - Represented by one of London's most recognisable landmarks, Big Ben

Skyline chess

Queen - the team explain 'this most powerful of pieces had to be played by the most dominant building on London's skyline - none other than Renzo Piano's Shard of Glass

Skyline chess

King - No other building would suitably match the might and presence of the King, than that of Canary Wharf

Skyline chess

Skyline chess

Like this? Read these!

  • Lego art (opens in new tab): designs that will blow your mind!
  • Best infographics (opens in new tab) on the web
  • Create a perfect mood board (opens in new tab) with these pro tips

What do you think of Skyline Chess? Will you be backing this project? Let us know in the comments!

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Creative Bloq Staff

The Creative Bloq team is made up of a group of design fans, and has changed and evolved since Creative Bloq began back in 2012. The current website team consists of six full-time members of staff: Editor Kerrie Hughes, Deputy Editor Rosie Hilder, Deals Editor Beren Neale, Senior News Editor Daniel Piper, Digital Arts and Design Editor Ian Dean, and Staff Writer Amelia Bamsey, as well as a roster of freelancers from around the world. The 3D World and ImagineFX magazine teams also pitch in, ensuring that content from 3D World and ImagineFX is represented on Creative Bloq. 

Related articles