Andy Scott, creator of the iconic Kelpies sculptures has created a major new work of art for Edinburgh’s New Town.
The giant chess piece has been installed by the artist and the long-standing silversmiths to the Queen, who have been based at 87 George Street since 1952, outside their showroom and will remain in place until the end of September.
The Rook, which is made of galvanised steel, is the first in a series of collaborations between Glasgow-born Scott and the famous Edinburgh firm.
The chariot horse – which is said to be evocative of ancient Persia – is an outsized version of a vast “Game of Kings” chess set Scott is creating with Hamilton & Inches. Its features include a feathered head-dress, bridle and collar.
Each hand-craft piece for the game, which will be able to be played on a 6.6 ft by 6.6 ft gaming table, will be based on the head and neck composition of The Kelpies.
The Kelpies – the world’s largest equine sculptures – have drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors to the new Helix public park in Falkirk since they were unveiled in Falkirk two years ago.
Scott, a Glasgow School of Art graduate, has created more than 70 projects around the world, including the Heavy Horse next to the M8 motorway, the Ibrox Disaster Memorial and Arria, a sculpture of a female form, which overlooks the M80 at Cumbernauld.
He said today: “There is a mutual recognition and respect between myself and Hamilton & Inches team of silversmith craftsmen.
“You don’t see any computers in our workshops, our work is rooted in the traditions of Scottish craft and I like that.
The Kelpies prints and gifts
Check out our unique Kelpies prints collection including canvas prints , Kelpies t-shirts , travel mugs and water bottles
The The Kelpies prints gift shop has t-shirts , canvas prints , jigsaw puzzles , hoodies and canvas prints.
Features
- Your personal mobile caffeination and art delivery unit
- Insulated stainless steel with removable polycarbonate lid
- Holds 15 oz. (443 ml)
- Base fits in most standard car cup holders (diameter 2.5″ / 6.35 cm)
- Top rack dishwasher-safe
- Wraparound design printed for you when you order
The Kelpies are the largest pieces of equine art in the world , created by Scottish artist Andy Scott. The most successful Scottish artist of all time is Jack Vettriano .
The Kelpies Falkirk tours are available now – visit the Kelpies , the Falkirk Wheel and Callendar House on your own private tour of Falkirk
Visit the Kelpies in Falkirk
Looking for things to do in Falkirk ? Why not take the Kelpies Falkirk tour and visit unique attractions ?
The Kelpies, Stirling Castle and the Falkirk Wheel feature in this tour .
The Kelpies have become one of the top tourist attractions in Scotland with over two million visitors .
Buy your souvenir prints of Scotland from Photogold .