Description
Brutalist Copper and Brass Wire Sculpture Chess Set by Andrzej Nowakowscy
Offered here is a Victorian-themed wire-sculpture chess set attributed to Magda and Andrzej Nowakowscy of Warsaw, Poland, likely dating from the 1960s–1970s. The pieces exhibit the characteristic style and construction techniques associated with the Nowakowscy workshop, with expressive figural forms rendered in wire and sheet metal. The king stands approximately 4¼″ tall with a base diameter of 1⅜″, and each piece is mounted on a white felt pad for protection and stability. The materials used are a combination of brass, copper, and felt, with one army in natural brass and the opposing side in darkened copper.
This wire-sculpture chess set is an excellent example of mid‑century metalwork, blending traditional hand-wrought techniques with a modern, Brutalist aesthetic. The set functions both as a complete playing ensemble and as a unified sculptural artwork, with each handmade piece exhibiting unique character and detail. The design reflects the peak period of wire and Brutalist decorative art chess sets, where form, texture, and patina were emphasized as much as function.
The pieces play and display best on a board with 2¼″ squares. The reproduction Leuchars carton‑pierre chessboard shown in some photographs is not included with this sale; however, suitable boards of this size are available separately.
Some Background.
The construction showcases classic wire-sculpture methods: wire wrapping and coiling to build up the forms, soldered junctions where wire meets sheet metal, and flat disc bases cut or hammered from sheet metal to provide balance and weight. The mixed brass and copper surfaces, together with the contrasting patinas, enhance the visual depth and sculptural presence of the set.
In form and technique, this set fits squarely within the Brutalist art movement of the 1960s–1970s. Cut and soldered brass and copper sheet, whimsical yet stylized figurative motifs, and the two-tone patination are all consistent with documented examples by Magda and Andrzej Nowakowscy. On many known sets, the bases bear engraved signatures such as “Magda i Andrzej Nowakowscy” or “Warszawa,” and collectors value these works as important examples of Polish studio metalwork.
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a significant piece of Polish chess-art history by internationally recognized artisan metalworkers. Nowakowscy sets are highly sought after by collectors worldwide, and this ensemble represents museum‑quality craftsmanship, suitable for both serious play and prominent display.
