Kings & Pawns

Chess, backgammon and other board games are not part of a dead, dusty tradition which has no relevance to modern life; they are part of everyday culture in the Gulf region, the Middle East and the wider world. Kings and Pawns:

Board Games from India to Spain explores the invention, development and adaptation of four games chess, backgammon, pachisi (ludo) and gyan chaupar (snakes and ladders) and their relation to Islamic art. With a variety of game pieces, boards, chess manuals and illustrated manuscripts, this exhibition brings to life the vibrant artistic production associated with these games.