Chess set: Ebony and Maple
Designed by Emily Worsnopp. Carved by Will Worsnopp
For many years I wanted to make my own chess set, but it is a daunting task to repeat the same carving so many times. I would need to choose a design that could be repeated easily. I considered many designs, but in the end, my wife Emily sketched out the idea that called to me the most; the pieces pictured here.
It took three years to carve all the different pieces. This set was carved at a time before I had my own wood shop, and I was forced to carve outdoors when weather permitted. The result was a lot less time to devote to carving. I carved the bishops first, using ebony for the black pieces and maple for the white. The queen came next, followed by the pawns. The king was the last piece I carved.
For many years I wanted to make my own chess set, but it is a daunting task to repeat the same carving so many times. I would need to choose a design that could be repeated easily. I considered many designs, but in the end, my wife Emily sketched out the idea that called to me the most; the pieces pictured here.
It took three years to carve all the different pieces. This set was carved at a time before I had my own wood shop, and I was forced to carve outdoors when weather permitted. The result was a lot less time to devote to carving. I carved the bishops first, using ebony for the black pieces and maple for the white. The queen came next, followed by the pawns. The king was the last piece I carved.
Will Worsnopp, Dickinson College, Bronx High School of Science, Sidney Central School, carving, powercarver, MATSL, Bennington College,
Hey Will it's Stephanie (from the gym). Your carvings are amazing! I love the chess set, any chance you'd be making any to sell? I know someone who would love a set! Either way, they are incredible!
ReplyDeleteI probably won't be making any more chess sets (at least not for a long time) because they're soooooo time consuming, and a bit boring to do the same thing over and over. But maybe with softer woods it would be easier.
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