When boardgames become heirlooms
- Alexandra specialises in designing bespoke backgammon sets
- She has been commissioned by royal families and celebrities
- The first set she made was a gift for a friend painted with Bahamian flowers
When she first began to make backgammon boards ten years ago, Alexandra Llewelleyn would never have dreamed where her passion for beautiful games would take her, from Afghanistan and Azerbaijan to Miami and the Caribbean. Originally she trained as a fine artist, before working in product development for a charity, which gave her the confidence to launch her own studio in 2010. “I had planned to launch a whole lifestyle range, but backgammon and other games quickly took over.” Today, she works with over 20 specialist workshops around the UK, with at least ten involved in each bespoke commission. Clients range from private individuals to hospitality brands such as the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, with each board, set and table designed by Alexandra herself. “Games are such a lovely niche to occupy,” she says.
Interview
Can you remember the moment when you fell in love with games?
My stepfather was Egyptian and we visited Cairo often. I will always remember the thrill and laughter of playing backgammon with men ten times my age with whom I shared no language, but that I could communicate with through a game.
Why are games so universal?
Plato said ‘You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.’ That is so true. We often joke in the studio that we could achieve world peace by sitting two warring countries down and making them get to know each better over a game of backgammon.
How do you express tradition and innovation in your work?
Using traditional marquetry techniques, we translate a client’s life and tastes into bespoke designed games that tell his or her story. We respect the materials we use but are not afraid to push the boundaries of design in surprising ways.
What makes an object well made?
That it will last for generations, an heirloom to be handed down. There is nothing like experiencing the design, finish and quality of the completed piece. I love the moment when the client sees it for the first time, because they are always so amazed.
- Address: 3 Kinnerton Place South,, SW1X 8EH, London, United Kingdom
- Hours: By appointment only
- Phone: +44 2071831058
- Languages: English
Alexandra Llewellyn
- Address: 3 Kinnerton Place South,, SW1X 8EH, London, United Kingdom
- Hours: By appointment only
- Phone: +44 2071831058
- Languages: English
