To mark the 100th anniversary of The New Yorker, Swedish design company PRINTWORKS has released a limited-edition chess set that blends clever design with the unmistakable charm of New York City. Titled CHESS NYC – The New Yorker x PRINTWORKS , this collector’s item brings together the creative talents of renowned illustrator Christoph Niemann and the sleek sensibility of Scandinavian design. Each piece on the board reflects an iconic element of the city – pawns take the form of yellow taxis, knights are represented by pigeons, rooks suggest the contours of the Brooklyn Bridge, bishops stand tall as the Chrysler Building, and the queen is none other than the Statue of Liberty. The king wears a fedora and ascot, embodying the dapper persona of a true New Yorker.
Niemann, a regular contributor to The New Yorker since 1998, has a gift for distilling complex ideas into simple, playful visuals. His signature marigold – a nod to subway lines and yellow cabs – adds warmth and familiarity to the set, grounding it firmly in the spirit of the city. With a minimalist color palette of black, white, and that iconic yellow, the chess pieces manage to feel both modern and nostalgic. The figures are designed to be instantly recognizable to locals while offering a whimsical introduction for newcomers.
PRINTWORKS, established in 2017, is known for creating stylish, high-quality products with a thoughtful approach to sustainability. From board games to home accessories, each piece is designed not only to be functional but to spark joy and conversation. Their commitment to quality and environmental consciousness is reflected in every detail, including packaging that’s designed to be part of the product’s long life in the home.
The CHESS NYC set is priced at $120 and available at printworksmarket.us, offering a striking tribute to New York through the lens of design and play.
