The Howard Staunton Society Dinner at L'Escargot
On Friday, 14th November 2025, The Howard Staunton Society marked a historic milestone in its 30-year history with a sold-out black-tie revival dinner at L’Escargot, London’s oldest French restaurant.
Nearly thirty members gathered in the historic Soho townhouse for an evening honouring Staunton’s lasting influence on chess, literature, and British cultural life.
Brian Clivaz — CEO of L’Escargot and one of the Society’s founders — opened the evening with a warm welcome, introducing fellow founders the celebrated sculptor Barry Martin and Adam Black, who reflected on the Society’s origins and its mission to restore Staunton’s neglected legacy.
Sir Alan Fersht, the Society’s UK Patron, captivated the room with a demonstration of a rare early Staunton chess set, while celebrated chess historian Dr Richard Eales delivered an insightful address on Staunton’s profound intellectual and cultural impact. The closing speech was given by HSH Prince Marek Kasperski, who travelled from Australia to attend.
Raymond Keene OBE presided over the dinner and presented a new edition of his best-selling book, "Howard Staunton: The English World Chess Champion," co-authored with R. N. Coles. Each guest received a signed copy of the book.
Founded in 1993 by Raymond Keene OBE, Nigel Short MBE, Barry Martin, and Brian Clivaz, the Howard Staunton Society has spent three decades championing the life, work, and memory of Howard Staunton (1810–1874).
From commissioning the granite knight headstone at his once-unmarked grave to organising the influential Howard Staunton Memorial Tournament, the Society has worked tirelessly to position Staunton as a central figure in the cultural and intellectual history of Britain.
Today, with Sir Alan Fersht FRS, and its Royal Patrons, HSH Prince Marek Kasperski, and HSH Princess Petrina Kasperski, the Society continues to promote research, education, and public engagement related to Staunton’s achievements in chess and Shakespearean scholarship.
The revival dinner marks the opening of a new chapter in the Society’s history as it intends to register formally as a charity and expand its educational and cultural initiatives, including the republication of Staunton’s writings, support for young players, and conservation of historic Staunton chess sets.
Its strategic alliance with L’Escargot provides a distinguished central London home for future gatherings, strengthening the Society’s ability to advance its charitable work and ensure that Staunton — one of Britain’s most overlooked Victorian intellectuals with global influence — receives the recognition he deserves.
