Mind, Art, Experience: 10 Years of Chess & Culture in Saint Louis

EXPERIENCE THIRD FLOOR

ART SECOND FLOOR

MIND FIRST FLOOR

MIND. ART. EXPERIENCE: 10 YEARS OF CHESS & CULTURE IN SAINT LOUIS CELEBRATES THE FIRST TEN YEARS OF EXHIBITIONS AT THE WORLD CHESS HALL OF FAME (WCHOF). THE EXHIBITION AND

CONTAINS ARTWORK

ARTIFACTS

FROM

ALL

50

OF THE SHOWS PRESENTED AT THE WCHOF SINCE IT OPENED ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2011.

Above: India, East India “John” Company Set, Early to mid-19th century, Collection of Jon Crumiller, Photo © Bruce M. White, 2013 Right: Michael Drummond, Qxa8, 2019, Courtesy of the designer, Photo by Carmody Creative

Lennart Ootes, World’s Largest Chess Piece, April 28, 2018, Collection of the World Chess Hall of Fame

THE

NEWEST

CHESS

INSTITUTION

Realizing the potential to provide area youth

IN SAINT LOUIS HAS A LONG AND

with a vital educational resource, Dr. Jeanne

BEAUTIFUL HISTORY DATING BACK TO THE MID-1980s. AFTER SUCCESSFUL RUNS

IN

NEW

WINDSOR,

YORK;

WASHINGTON,

MIAMI,

FLORIDA,

ed the initial funding to relocate the WCHOF to Saint Louis, where it has continued to grow for the last decade.

AND

In 10 years, 50 exhibitions, multiple satellite

MUSEUM

projects, and hundreds of outreach programs,

NEEDED A NEW HOME. DUE TO THE

over 140,000 visitors have experienced the

THE

D.C.;

NEW

Cairns Sinquefield and Rex Sinquefield provid-

VIBRANCY, SUCCESS, AND GROWING INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION OF THE SAINT LOUIS CHESS CLUB, IT WAS

timeless game in a whole new light. By honoring the 1,500 years of history of chess and the contemporary players who continue to grow and change the sport, the Saint Louis institution

PROPOSED THAT THE CONTENTS OF

looks at chess and how it presents itself in every

THE MIAMI INSTITUTION BE MOVED TO

facet of culture, including music, fashion, histo-

SAINT LOUIS, MISSOURI.

ry, pop culture, and art, among others.

We have celebrated the pioneers of the game, and those who dedicated their lives to its promotion through their own gameplay, as well as the authors, the editors, the photographers, and the philanthropists who have made the growth of the game possible. By showing international, national, and local artists, we broaden the scope of the game by displaying an emotional take on chess and thereby demonstrating that it is much more than moving pieces on a board. It really is much more of a conversation—a way to mix cultures, histories, and tell rich stories.

The WCHOF staff has come together to reflect on all of our accomplishments over the last decade through our largest exhibition yet—Mind.

Art. Experience: 10 Years of Chess & Culture in

In 1992, the U.S. Chess Trust purchased the

Saint Louis. It has been an honor to work for

museum and moved its contents to Washington,

the WCHOF and the entire Saint Louis Chess

D.C. From 1992 to 2001, the collection grew to

Campus since before it opened its doors. Look-

include the World Team Chess Championship tro-

ing back over what we have accomplished in the

phy won by the U.S. team in 1993, numerous

last decade is an inspiring and truly meaning-

chess sets and boards, and the U.S. Chess Hall of

ful process. We have also cultivated new players

Fame inductee plaques.

of all ages and continue to expand lovers of the

In 2001, the institution moved into a new,

game. This delightful, full-museum retrospective

multi-million dollar facility at the Excalibur Elec-

highlights our unique perspective on the game

tronics headquarters in Miami, Florida, and was

as we mix artifacts, art, and cultural experiences

renamed the World Chess Hall of Fame and Sid-

that we have organized over the years. We are so

ney Samole Museum. The Museum continued col-

excited to see some of these brilliant pieces back

lecting chess sets, books, memorabilia, advertise-

in the WCHOF and to introduce some of the art-

ments, photographs, furniture, medals, trophies,

work and artifacts from our earlier shows to our

and journals until it closed in 2009.

newest fans. Together, all of these materials truly demonstrate that chess is everywhere.

THE WORLD CHESS HALL OF FAME IN SAINT LOUIS HISTORY OF THE WORLD CHESS HALL OF FAME BEFORE SAINT LOUIS

The WCHOF opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony and three United States Chess Hall of Fame

The WCHOF was created in 1986 by the Unit-

inductions on September 8, 2011, and the next

ed States Chess Federation. Originally known as

morning, it opened its doors to the public. The

the U.S. Chess Hall of Fame, the small museum

WCHOF is housed in a historic 15,900 square-

opened in 1988 in the Federation’s headquarters

foot residence-turned-business and features the

in New Windsor, New York, and contained a mod-

U.S. and World Chess Halls of Fame, displays of

est collection, which included a book of chess

artifacts from the permanent collection, and tem-

openings signed by Bobby Fischer, the Paul Mor-

porary exhibitions highlighting the great players,

phy silver set, and cardboard plaques honoring

historic games, art, and the overall cultural im-

past grandmasters.

pact of chess.

We continue to grow our membership and our global outreach through our exhibition programs, our award-winning gift shop, Q Boutique, and our second Guinness Book of World Records’ Largest Chess Piece. Chess even endured through the most difficult times of the COVID-19 pandemic, when people turned to the game as a way to ameliorate the hardships of physical distancing. Our programming moved to virtual platforms, and Q Boutique continually sold out of chess sets, as the game grew even more popular as people came together to play online or at home.

We would not be the dynamic and influential institution that we are today without the full and total support of Dr. Jeanne Cairns Sinquefield and Rex Sinquefield. Their vision and dedication to chess has revolutionized the game in the United States and around the world. It is an honor to work with them on this beautiful and important project.

I thank them and our entire staff, many of whom have been here for the entire 10 years of the success of the Saint Louis Chess Campus, especially our General Manager Joy Bray and the Executive Director of the Saint Louis Chess Club, Tony Rich.

It is my hope that our exhibitions will continue to impress those who are already fans of the game and inspire new players to follow us for the next 10 years and beyond.

SHANNON BAILEY, Chief Curator

Glenn Kaino, The Burning Boards at the World Chess Hall of Fame, 2014, Photo by Carmody Creative

Charlton Comics Group, Vol. 1, No. 36, Strange Suspense Stories, March 1958, Collection of the World Chess Hall of Fame, Public domain

France, Sèvres Porcelain Chess Set, c. 1924, Collection of Dr. George and Vivian Dean, Photo by Richard Beenen

Tom Friedman, Untitled, Edition 6 of 7, 2005, Collection of Dr. Jeanne Cairns Sinquefield and Rex Sinquefield, Photo by Michael DeFilippo

Crystal Fuller, World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov and Sunil Weeramantry with Rex Sinquefield and Dr. Jeanne Cairns Sinquefield at their Inductions to the U.S. Chess Hall of Fame, October 5, 2021, Collection of the Saint Louis Chess Club

ONE OF THE MOST HEARTWARMING

players who have made important contributions to

TRADITIONS AT THE WORLD CHESS

the game. Since 2011, most of the U.S. Chess Hall

HALL OF FAME (WCHOF) IS THE INSTITUTION’S ANNUAL INDUCTIONS TO THE U.S. AND THE WORLD CHESS

of Fame inductions have occurred in Saint Louis at the opening ceremony for the U.S. and U.S. Women’s Chess Chess Championship, allowing today’s chess stars to celebrate the legends of the game.

HALLS OF FAME. THE FIRST HALL

Some inductees have had connections with Saint

OF FAME INDUCTION IN SAINT LOUIS

Louis chess history, including Maurice Ashley, who

COINCIDED WITH THE OPENING OF THE

not only is the first African American player to achieve

WCHOF ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2011.

the title of grandmaster, but he is also renowned for his achievements as a chess promoter. He has served

Grandmasters Boris Gulko and Andy Soltis were

as a commentator at numerous competitions on the

inducted into the U.S. Chess Hall of Fame. The cer-

Saint Louis Chess Campus, communicating the ex-

emony, which brought together prominent members

citement of the games with audiences around the

of the Saint Louis cultural community along with

world. Other inductees have played in tournaments

famous chess players, members of Chess Collectors

on the Saint Louis Chess Campus, including Grand-

International, and chess enthusiasts from around

masters Gregory Kaidanov, Alex Onischuk, Alexander

the country, set the stage for inductions for years to

Shabalov, and Alex Yermolinsky. Grandmaster Susan

come. Legendary Women’s World Chess Champion

Polgar served as the coach of the highly successful

Vera Menchik made history, becoming the first wom-

Webster University chess team. Max Judd, who was

an to be inducted into the World Chess Hall of Fame.

inducted into the U.S. Chess Hall of Fame, settled

Her achievements as the first women’s world chess

in Saint Louis in 1873, and he was one of the city’s

champion paved the way for other female chess play-

first chess talents. In 2020, Dr. Jeanne Cairns Sin-

ers, and, since her induction, 11 other women have

quefield and Rex Sinquefield, the founders of the

earned their places in the World Chess Hall of Fame.

Saint Louis Chess Campus, were inducted into the

In the time since the museum moved to Saint

U.S. Chess Hall of Fame. As the WCHOF celebrates

Louis, 25 individuals have been inducted into the

its tenth anniversary, we are looking forward to many

WCHOF, and 20 have entered the U.S. Chess Hall of

more years of celebrating those who have elevated

Fame. Among them are world and U.S. chess cham-

the game.

pions, women’s world and U.S. chess champions, chess promoters, authors, journalists, and legendary

EMILY ALLRED, Curator

Tom Hackney, Chess Painting No. 69 (Suren vs. Duchamp, Strasbourg, 1924), 2016, Courtesy of the artist

Barbara Kruger, Untitled (Do you feel comfortable losing?), Edition 3 of 7 artist’s proofs, 2006, Collection of Dr. Jeanne Cairns Sinquefield and Rex Sinquefield, Photo by Michael DeFilippo

Harry Benson CBE, Bobby Kissed by a Horse, 1972, Collection of Dr. Jeanne Cairns Sinquefield and Rex Sinquefield, © Harry Benson

MIND, ART, EXPERIENCE: 10 Years of Chess & Culture in Saint Louis JANUARY 27 – JULY 17, 2022 CURATED BY SHANNON BAILEY, CHIEF CURATOR, AND EMILY ALLRED, CURATOR WORLD CHESS HALL OF FAME The World Chess Hall of Fame acknowledges Dr. Jeanne Cairns Sinquefield and Rex Sinquefield, whose generous support have made all of our exhibitions possible.

The World Chess Hall of Fame would like to thank all of the talented and generous people who contributed to this exhibition, including: Artists: Eugenia Alexander, Luis Alonso, Harry Benson CBE, John Cage, Robert Cruickshank, M.C. Escher, Michael DeFilippo, Michael Drummond, Marcel Duchamp, Marcel Dzama, Kristin Fleischmann Brewer, Tom Friedman, Michael Graves, Tom Hackney, Glenn Kaino, Benjamin Kaplan, Barbara Kruger, Liliya Lifanova, Antonio Maldanado, Peter Manion, Sophie Matisse, Kirk McCauley, Alexander McQueen, Audra Danielle Noyes, Yoko Ono, Anne Ray, Man Ray, Daniela Raytchev, Edo Rosenblith, the Screwed Arts Collective, Jennifer Shahade and Daniel Meirom, Bill Smith, Yuko Suga, Rafael Tufiño, Gavin Turk, Victor Vasarely, Adrian Octavius Walker, Rachel Whiteread, and Kati Zorn Lenders: The John Cage Trust; World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen; Jon Crumiller; Dr. George and Vivian Dean; Tom Gallegos and Luann Woneis; Live Stock Market, Luhring Augustine, New York; the family of Hersel J. Lillis, Sr.; Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum; National Museum of the United States Air Force; Purling London; RKL Consulting; Dr. Jeanne Cairns Sinquefield and Rex Sinquefield; and David Zwirner Gallery Donors: The Byrne family, DeLucia Family Foundation, Frank Camaratta, Michael DeFilippo, International Master John Donaldson, Arnold H. Garcia, the Traci L. and Arthur B. Laffer family, Margaret Martin, Women’s World Chess Champion Susan Polgar, the family of Jacqueline Piatigorsky, Bernice and Floyd Sarisohn, and the Saint Louis Chess Club Photographers: Diane Anderson, Carmody Creative, Austin Fuller, Crystal Fuller, Lori Mattler of Lace Photo, and Lennart Ootes.

Thank you to Gigi Benson, Nicole Hudson, and Sarah Stallmann for their assistance.

MIND. ART. EXPERIENCE. Related programming and a pdf of this brochure are available for download at worldchesshof.org. Donations support our exhibitions, education, outreach, and events.

WCHOF STAFF

Finance: Norah Friel & Cathy Gallaher Gallery Manager: Matt Dauphin

General Manager: Joy Bray

Graphic Design: Sam Balmer & Farris Knudsen

Chief Curator: Shannon Bailey

Installation & Research: Jim Gildehaus, Steven Coplin, Cait

Curator: Emily Allred

Mohr, Emily Billhartz, Suzi Eberly, Max Evans, Ahnna Matthews,

Assistant Manager: James Knapp

Mary McGuire

Curatorial Assistant and Program Manager: Brittany Mosier

IT Specialist: Erik Arnson

Development: Lauren Stewart & Ryan Chester

Marketing & PR: Brian Flowers, Courtney Suthoff, Suzi Eberly

Education, Outreach & Events: Brittany Mosier, Kathryn Adamchick

Q Boutique: Brian Flowers, Lauren Castillo, Luke Byrnes

Exhibitions Manager: Nick Schleicher

Registrar: Nicole Tessmer

World Chess Hall of Fame 4652 Maryland Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63108 (314) 367-WCHF (9243) | worldchesshof.org @WorldChessHOF #WCHOF10

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collecting, preserving, exhibiting, and interpreting the game of chess and its continuing cultural and artistic

significance. The Museum does not discriminate or permit harassment or discrimination on the basis of

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