English Chess Forum

I am sad to report the death of Gareth Williams on 25 January. Gareth was in his late 80s and had not played competitively for 40 years having previously been a member of a London League team, with a grade of circa 170.

He was a leading member of Chess Collectors International, author of "Chess Masterpieces" published in 2000, a regular contributor of historical articles for chess magazines and was the Exhibits Co-ordinator at the 1996 world championship match between Karpov and Kasparov.

Very sad. Wasn't he the owner of the only known complete surviving set of the Grand Cigar Divan chessmen - apart from the one displayed at Simpson's which has substitute rooks?

A generous man. We last spoke at Tate Britain some years ago. When I did BCM he rang me long distance and we had a quick chat. Kind chap. RIP.

Mike Wiltshire wrote: ↑

Sat Jan 30, 2021 5:27 pm

[Gareth Williams] was the Exhibits Co-ordinator at the 1996 world championship match between Karpov and Kasparov.

1986, perhaps?

RIP Gareth

Thanks David; yes 1986.