Queen’s Gambit creates surge in online search for chess

In a year that has been devoid of many of the usual entertainment options, box set and binge-worthy shows on Netflix have dominated.

One of the most recent Netflix successes to get everyone talking has been ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ which, released just in time for the UK’s lockdown 2.0, was streamed into a record 62 million households within 28 days of its release. The compelling drama follows the fortunes of chess prodigy, Beth Harmon, as she grows to become one of the greatest players in the world. It’s not only Netflix, that is benefitting from the unlikely success of a drama about chess. According to the Metro, eBay saw a massive 273% surge in searches for ‘chess sets’ in the 10 days following the show’s release, something we’ve also noticed here at Antiques Boutique.

This boom in interest may be due to the show’s ability to transform chess into a high-octane, dramatic and intriguing sport, full of fascinating characters and even jeopardy. Perhaps this has always been well-known amongst chess aficionados, but it certainly came as a surprise to a chess outsider. Presenting the game, which is more often associated with old men than glamourous young women, in this way has awakened new interest from people who may never have considered taking it up as a hobby before.

Whether you fancy treating yourself to a chess set, or you know someone who became enamoured with the classic game recently, we have some beautiful antique chessboards and complete sets available, such as this French boxed travelling set, which also includes draughts pieces, for those days when the intellectual rigour of chess is best left to Beth and her associates.

If you’re after a chess board that doubles as a beautiful piece of furniture, this late 18^th century Indian ivory and ebony engraved chess table would impress even a grandmaster.

Chess isn’t the only star of the show, though.  The Queen’s Gambit exudes the style and sophistication of the 1960s, and what better excuse to add a touch of this to your own home? We predict that there will be an upturn in people wanting to create a ‘60s inspired décor, but there really is no substitute for an original. This pair of bamboo and brass Italian loungers would be a stylish addition to any stylish home, especially when paired with this amazing rocket lamp with teak legs.

Or why not simply adorn yourself, and get transported to the 60s with an elegant, minimalist bracelet such as this one?

Whether you have been inspired to take up chess, transform your home with the glamour of the period as depicted in the show, or treat yourself to a piece of jewellery, I think that we can all agree that the time is right to inject a bit of 1960’s style into our lives.