Isle of Lewis Chess Sets

Isle of Lewis Chess Sets

The Isle Of Lewis Chess Pieces were discovered in 1831 in a sand bank that had collapsed on none other than the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. The subject of much debate, the 91 pieces now housed in The British Museum and National Museums Scotland are thought to have originated in what is now modern day Norway around 1100 A.D.

National Museums Scotland Isle of Lewis Chess Set

If you want nothing but the authentic reproduction set by National Museums Scotland, then we have your set. These Made-In-England reproductions have been produced from precise and accurate laser scans of the original pieces. Other sets in the market are close approximations, ours are as close to the originals as is possible.

The original 91 Isle of Lewis pieces were discovered without any chess boards. The Regency Chess Company Canada has combined the pieces with some suitable European boards. The colouring and design of the suggested boards go quite nicely with the pieces. Some clients prefer to display their pieces without a board – a fairly popular option. Please note that we also carry the individual pieces – great as a gift item, Christmas stocking stuffer, or even an award.

The Story of the Isle of Lewis Chess Set – Video

Materials used in an isle of lewis chess set

The original Lewis pieces were carved from Walrus Tusk and Whale Bone. Over the years many companies have produced reproductions with materials of varying quality. The official National Museums Scotland pieces are reproduced from precise laser scans of the original pieces. A crushed stone – resin composite is coloured to match the original pieces as closely as possible.