Strategy arranged on the table
Games turn rules into objects. A chess piece, pack of cards or backgammon board offers not only play, but also typography, illustration, craftsmanship and ritual. The arrangement before a game begins can be as evocative as the competition itself.
Robert Harper’s inventory records 90 unique shots across 205 total frames of games, chess, playing cards, bridge and backgammon, including Tintin chess and Alice in Wonderland material. The catalogue also records the spelling “Tin Tin”; product editions remain subjects for research.
Robert Harper’s eye for visual systems
The training behind chess, playing cards and classic games included two years at Condé Nast, where Harper directly assisted David Bailey, Helmut Newton and Lester Bookbinder after studying photography in London. Born in Scotland and raised between Glasgow and Islay, he had received a camera at seven and sold a concert photograph of The Who at fourteen.
That apprenticeship taught him how order, contrast and character could coexist within a composed frame. Harper later founded his own studio and built an approximately thirty five year career.
The chess, playing cards and classic games collection connects Harper’s studio practice with his wider editorial career. He worked regularly for Elle and The Telegraph Magazine for more than fifteen years. Other editorial credits included Vogue, Tatler, Cosmopolitan, Esquire, The Face, Wallpaper and Harpers & Queen. Across his broader career, confirmed clients included De Beers, Boots, Heinz, Diageo, Harrods, Selfridges, the BBC, CBS Records and Montblanc.
His experience with luxury objects and printed design gives this games collection unusual editorial range.
Games as art, habit and social ritual
Chess and backgammon can be serious strategic pursuits and beautiful designed objects. Playing cards support countless social traditions, while themed sets connect games to illustration and popular culture.
Archive.London will identify editions, manufacturers and dates only from packaging or object evidence. Trade marks and fictional properties are descriptive subjects, not client claims.
Archive provenance
- Original category: Toys 03, Games, Chess, Playing Cards
- Unique shots: 90
- Total frames: 205
- Recorded subjects: chess, cards, bridge, backgammon and themed games
- Photographer: Robert Harper