PAUL JOSHUA CHESS
contemporary Staunton Design
My grandfather taught me how to play chess many years ago. Around 20 years later, in 2021, I rediscovered my fascination with the “game of kings.” During this time, I was studying at the Academy for Design and Crafts in Munich. For my final thesis to become a Designer in the Skilled Crafts, I developed a design for chess pieces. My aim was to combine a minimalist design language with the essential, characteristic features of the six different pieces. I was guided by the classic Staunton design, which has been the international tournament standard for over a century. What makes my design special is that all dimensions and proportions comply with the official standards of international chess federations (FIDE, USCF). The result is maximum functionality with exceptional design clarity. The design process for my “Original” chess pieces alone took over a year. Since then, I’ve continued to refine and expand the project. Today, I offer two distinct versions of my chess sets: the Original Version, a premium set that meets the highest standards of form and craftsmanship, and the Masterpieces, true chess artworks that are even larger, heavier, and more intricately crafted.