
Photography credit Greg Funnell @gregfunnell
We were asked by Christie’s International Real Estate Magazine to be the subject for its ‘Bespoke Living’ feature in their Summer 2020 edition. Please click HERE to read it.
For the article, Founder Simon Purkis was interviewed about his vision and the story of the company from its beginnings to today. He was invited to Blacks Club, Soho where photographer, Greg Funnell captured him alongside one of the Purling chess sets.
The Purling London x KHAMAMA Art Chess set ‘Morpho‘ was chosen. This board represents 4 months hand-work, using ethically sourced Giant Blue Morpho Butterfly & Madagascan Sunset Moth wings marquetry.
Funnell and his team photographed Simon on both sides of the chessboard wearing different bow ties to match the pieces. The shots were then merged together in post production to create the illusion of Simon playing himself!
For the eagle-eyed amoung you, set up on the chess board is a position from the famous ‘Immortal Game’ by Adolf Andersson against Lionel Kieseritzky – a match played in London 1851 just a few streets away from the Blacks Club shoot location, at a restaurant on the Strand.
The iridescent design of the Purling London x KHAMAMA Art Chess set is framed by a grey striped Ebony Macassar wood frame and protected by a layer of museum-grade glass. Artist, Nette Robinson was commissioned to paint the chess pieces in a spectrum of pearlised golden and blue shades to complement the multi-toned butterfly chequer board. Click HERE to find out more about this Art Chess set.
Produced four times a year, Christie’s International Real Estate Magazine has an annual readership of half a million. Their editorial content covers the arts, leisure, international cultural events, and the world of ultra-luxury, including jewelry, watches, fashion, automotive, yachts, aviation, home décor, and electronics – all alongside an unrivaled showcase of the world’s most exclusive real estate.






– Click HERE to read the Christie’s CIRE Magazine article
– To learn more about KHAMAMA, their work and vision click HERE
– For Art Chess sets by KHAMAMA visit our SHOP.
To read more about the Purling collaborations with Christie’s, click on the images below:

Photography credit Greg Funnell @gregfunnell