UNITED KINGDOM / AGILITYPR.NEWS / July 20, 2021 / The celebrated English sculptor and studio potter John Maltby (1936-2020) created this single edition giant chess set for the Millennium celebrations at the New Ashgate Gallery in Farnham.

Now it is coming up for auction in the Decorative Arts, Vintage & Modern Design sale at Ewbank’s in Surrey on July 29.

Each figure has a distinctive heart-shaped face and bears a shield. They are also individually impressed with a JM seal to the base.

The pawns, created in the form of winged figures, stand 18cm tall, while the King and Queen reach 22cm.

An inset inscription to the board reads: MADE BY JOHN MALTBY TO CELEBRATE THE MILLENNIUM 2000 A.D.

At 61 x 61cm, the board itself is of considerable size and set with ceramic tiles.

Maltby, who died in December at the age of 85, launched his career as a potter and sculptor after being inspired by the renowned potter Bernard Leach. Initially working as an apprentice to Leach’s son David, Maltby set up his own studio in Crediton, Devon in 1964, establishing a global reputation. His work can be found in the collections of the Victoria & Albert Museum, among others.

Various artists were asked to commission a piece for the New Ashgate Gallery’s Millennium exhibition. Such was the level of interest in the Maltby chess set between competing purchasers when it was unveiled at the show that it was decided to hold a lottery to identify the winning buyer. It is that buyer who has consigned it here.

The estimate is £4,000-4,500.

Live bidding is available online at www.ewbanks.co.uk, where you can inspect the entire sale catalogue.