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
The mission of the World Chess Hall of Fame is to educate visitors, fans, players, and scholars by
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
gender, race, color, national and ethnic origin in the treatment of individuals with respect to employment, or admission or access to Museum facilities, programs or activities.