This chess table, crafted by the renowned Russian and Soviet artist Alexander Rodchenko, stands as a testament to the principles of constructivism. It was built for the Soviet Pavilion at the Paris World's Fair of 1925. Rodchenko’s vision was clear: to create an optimal space for self-education and cultural leisure, with chess at its heart.
Following the exhibition, the entire furniture ensemble that constituted the “Workers’ Club” found a new home with the French Communist Party. Regrettably, the original set has since vanished, possibly lost in a fire during the late 1920s.
Several attempts have been made to recreate the iconic set. The most complete and accurate copy of the “Workers’ Club” was made in 2021 by experts of the Moscow State Stroganov Academy of Design and Applied Arts from the original designs by Alexander Rodchenko and using the tools and techniques employed in the original.
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.