One of the 'great' finds from the Viking age are the incredible chessmen.  They were discovered on the Isle of Lewis in 1831.  It is believed, they had been carefully crafted in Norway in the late 12th Century.  The sets are split between The National Museum of Scotland (a bit of a trek) and The British Museum in London (https://www.britishmuseum.org/).

The orignials were carved out of ivory, but we have used clay to create our own versions.  Find out more about the chessmen here http://www.nms.ac.uk/explore/resources/unmask-the-lewis-chessmen/

After wedging the clay, we spent time crafting and engraving our patterns on them. 

Watch this space to see our finished painted chess pieces.