A centrepiece of the London Design Festival this year will be located in the heart of London, in Trafalgar Square. “The Tournament,” an installation created by Spanish designer, Jaime Hayón consists of a specially created glass mosaic chessboard topped with 2-m high ceramic chess pieces. The installation, which will be set between the two fountains in Trafalgar Square, will be in situ from September 19 – 23.

Working with Bosa, an Italian ceramics expert in Veneto, Italy, Hayón handcrafted each of the 32 chess pieces, many of which reference specific, iconic buildings in London and their domes, towers and spires. The chess pieces are supported by a wooden base on castors so they can be moved around easily; a metal frame within the ceramic form provides stability.

The chessboard is made of mosaic glass tiles created by Italian tiling specialists, Bisazza. Elevated platforms rise above the giant tiled chessboard where players can sit in large, high-backed chairs directing their pieces around the board.

“The Tournament” was inspired by London and its history and heritage, as the Battle of Trafalgar is said to have been “organized like a chess game of naval strategy.”

“I’ve lived in London for over three years, during which time I have been able to discover the city, its history and heritage. I will be able to represent all of this using my own personal style,” says Hayón. “I really like the idea that Londoners and other visitors can come to Trafalgar Square – such a central focus of London – to wander around my installation and perhaps even take part in a game of chess.”

Ben Evans, festival director, adds, “Jaime Hayón brings a fresh energetic perspective to London and his ideas are both dynamic and witty. He was the obvious choice for such a project.”