In chess, the queen is recognized as the most powerful piece. It can move in any direction, making it desirable yet unpredictable.
Centuries ago, however, the queen didn’t exist. Around the 15th century, when Queen Isabella I of Spain and Queen Elizabeth I of England came to power, so too did the queen in chess.
Based in St. Louis’ Central West End neighborhood, the World Chess Hall of Fame, on Saturday, October 19, will unveil its latest exhibition. “A Queen Within: Adorned Archetypes, Fashion and Chess,” which previewed at Christie’s in New York City, explores the parallels between the queen in chess and feminine roles in society, as well as the fashion they have inspired.
Rare pieces from the private collection of Alexander McQueen join garments by Sandra Backlund, Hussein Chalayan and Gucci, among others, to form a 3,200 square foot piece of art.
Host Steve Potter talked with co-curators Sofia Hedman and Karolina Kling about a variety of aspects concerning the exhibition, including the nine archetypes it demonstrates: Sage, Mother Figure, Magician, Enchantress, Explorer, Ruler, Mother Earth, Heroine and Orphan.
More information
The World Chess Hall of Fame Presents: "A Queen Within: Adorned Archetypes, Fashion and Chess"
October 19, 2013 - April 19, 2013
Tuesday & Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m
Thursday & Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday noon - 5:00 p.m.
World Chess Hall of Fame, (314) 367-9243 | 4652 Maryland Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63108
Cityscape is produced by Mary Edwards and Alex Heuer, hosted by Steve Potter and funded in part by the the Arts and Education Council of Greater St. Louis, the Regional Arts Commission and the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.
