A fusion of fine art and luxury gaming – Alexandra Llewellyn

Luxury games board designer Alexandra Llewellyn has collaborated with fine artist Miranda Donovan to create an exclusive new limited edition backgammon board, launching at the Clerkenwell Collection on July 2.

Llewellyn was first introduced to backgammon in the alleys of Cairo while strolling with her Egyptian step-grandfather as a child. She was fascinated by the idea that board games operate as an independent vocabulary, requiring neither common language nor culture and in December 2010 Llewellyn launched her own range of backgammon boards, channeling a truly unique vision of the oldest recorded board game in the world.

Donovan is a painter and sculptor whose work has been exhibited extensively at international group shows around the world, including New York, Athens and London. She has carried out large-scale commissions including a 21 x 7ft triptych, installed by the banks of Lake Maggiore, Italy in 2013 and more recently, a poster run for Black Cow Vodka.

The aim of the collaboration was to marry two contrasting visions – Donovan’s exploring the darker sides of civilisation and its decay, with Llewellyn’s luxurious opulence. The backgammon board is not only a game, but also a work of art and a discerning collector’s piece.

Llewellyn worked with her team of master craftsmen to build on Donovan’s signature rough surface, framing it in ripple sycamore to give a contrasting luxurious feel.

Hidden discreetly within the board are drawers that pop out of the frame with one gentle touch, holding semi-precious stone playing pieces cut from mother of pearl and black obsidian (volcanic glass), and coming complete with ‘doubling di’ inlaid with hand-cut black numbers drawn by Donovan.

A limited edition of ten boards, with one artist’s proof, will be available to buy from Alexandra Llewellyn priced at £8,600.
by Amanda Bernstein