This opalescent ceramic “Gothic”-style chess set was hand-painted by my grandmother, a gift to my brother in the 1980s.

Lee Franclemont, Gothic chess set, 1980s, glazed ceramic. Photo credit Kelise Franclemont. Private collection.

Lee Franclemont, Gothic chess set, 1980s, glazed ceramic. Photo credit Kelise Franclemont. Private collection.

Lee Franclemont, Gothic chess set, 1980s, glazed ceramic. Photo credit Kelise Franclemont. Private collection.

I think my favourites were the frowning bishops – looking very stern and just how I imagined Catholic bishops would look!

Lee Franclemont, Gothic chess set, 1980s, glazed ceramic. Photo credit Kelise Franclemont. Private collection.