Art Funded by you

Set of chessmen

John Flaxman, Wedgwood pottery

The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent

A complete set of 16 chessmen designed by John Flaxman. Flaxman designed the chessmen for Josiah Wedgwood in 1785 and the design has been used many times. This set was probably made in the early 19th century and does not have the finish of the original sets. Some of them appear to have been broken off their bases, but the figures themselves are all perfect. They are in jaspo on Wedgwood blue and lilac bases. The chessman were originally presented to the Hanley Public Museum and Art Gallery in Stoke on Trent.

More information

Date supported

1944

Gifted by

Edmund H Blakesley

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

Get a National Art Pass and explore The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery

You'll see more art and your membership will help museums across the UK

National Art Pass offers available at The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery

Free exhibitions

10% off in café

Expires: 1 Jan 2026

10% off in shop

Expires: 1 Jan 2026

IndividualTiana Clarke Please note this is an example card and not a reflection of the final product
Get a national art pass

Art Funded by you FAQs

Why is this object record marked 'archive'?
Where can I see this work of art? Is it on display?
What is Art Fund's purpose?
How is Art Fund funded?
What type of funding do you offer?
What does the acquisition grants programme support and who can apply?
How many works of art has Art Fund helped museums to acquire?
I’m a curator/researcher/arts professional and would like to find out more about this work, how do I get in touch?
I’m a journalist and would like to contact Art Fund about this work, how do I get in touch?
I would like to donate a work of art to a museum. What do I need to do?
I'd like to leave a gift to Art Fund in my will. How can I do this?

Contact us

If you have a question about a work of art in our archive, please contact the Programmes team. We’ll be happy to answer your enquiry.

Get in touch