Printworks Introduces Chess Set for New Yorker Centennial

To celebrate the New Yorker’s 100th anniversary, Swedish design brand PRINTWORKS is proud to present a chess set like no other – the limited edition CHESS NYC – The New Yorker x Printworks. A playful take on the game with illustrations conceived by regular contributor Christoph Niemann, pawns become taxis, the queen becomes the Statue of Liberty, and the knights become pigeons. A graphic set that would fit in a minimalist living room just as well as a maximalist study, this chess set lets visitors in on the game, while giving natives signs of home.

Since 1998, Christoph Niemann has been a regular contributor to The New Yorker, bringing a sense of wit and style to over forty covers and countless comics, including the first augmented-reality cover titled On The Go. A staple in his work, a brilliant marigold color, is handpicked to reflect the lines on the subway and yellow cabs iconic to the city. From a multitude of sketches and finished products, down to the buttons on his website, this color elegantly intertwines the boldness of his work with the intensity of the city.

Striking silhouettes one and all, the black and white game pieces reflect landmarks and staples that inhabit NYC, giving it character and charm. The pawns are taxis, following the sea of yellow through the bustle of the city, yet quite aptly only allowed to move one square per turn, much like a real cab. The knights are pigeons, flocking about, knights paths similar to the sometimes jaunty movements of urban bird flight.

Rooks are abstractions of the Brooklyn Bridge, leaving just enough of the iconic facade to communicate identity. Bishops are the Chrysler Building, one of the most recognizable NYC facades, towering over the cabs to complete their diagonal movements. The queen is the Statue of Liberty, our watchful lady presiding over her court with grace and aplomb. Lastly, the king is, of course, the classic New Yorker dandy, with his hat and the cheekiest hint of an ascot. Always a fan of removing all but the most essential elements, this is just one of the qualities that give Niemann such a strong hold on design culture.

Printworks is a Swedish brand founded in 2017, offering smart and stylish pieces designed to bring the family together. Offering a range of photo albums, board games, portable lamps, and other home decor items, they offer a beautiful and functional products with strong narrative, considering environmental impact and product lifecycle in the process. Consistently removing waste from their production process, their packaging is just as much a part of the product as the piece itself. This consideration results in high-quality, solid construction, items finding a lasting place in people’s homes.

To learn more or to purchase the CHESS NYC – The New Yorker x PRINTWORKS chess set for $120, visit printworksmarket.us.

Photography courtesy of PRINTWORKS.