Photo: Hertfordshire Chess Association Annual Meeting, 1933 Add to Watch List Watching View Watchlist >

Original group photo documenting the Annual Meeting of the Hertfordshire Chess Association, held in Welwyn Garden City on September 30, 1933. The photo is affixed to its original presentation mount. The mount features a printed title above the image and a detailed legend below, identifying all 30 attendees by name, official role, and club affiliation (including representatives from Hertford, Welwyn G.C., Barnet, Letchworth, Hoddesdon, St. Albans, and Watford). Size: Photo 28.5 x 17.5 cm; Overall mount 45.2 x 30.7 cm.

The photo shows several prominent figures in English chess history. Seated in the front row is Major E. Montague Jones (acting as President), a crucial organizer who personally donated the SCCU Montague Jones Cup to establish a dedicated championship for minor counties. Beside him sits G. S. A. Wheatcroft (listed as Individual Cup Holder), a strong player who later became President of the British Chess Federation. Also seated in the front row is W. Hatton-Ward (Retiring Honorary Secretary), a highly influential chess journalist and organizer. Hatton-Ward is historically remembered as the key figure who, under pressure from Max Euwe and other masters, had to revoke Alexander Alekhine's invitation to the 1946 London Victory Tournament, which subsequently prompted the World Champion's famous open letter, in which he vainly attempted to defend himself against allegations of Nazi collaboration. Additionally notable is the rare presence of a single female delegate in the front row, Mrs. Wheelwright, representing the Watford club.

The Hertfordshire Chess Association is the governing body for chess in the county of Hertfordshire, affiliated with the English Chess Federation. Founded in 1901, the association experienced a brief period of inactivity before being revived in November 1913. The key figures of this revival, Major E. Montague Jones (elected President), W. Hatton-Ward (elected Secretary), and F. W. Flear (who presided over the inaugural occasions), are all seated together in the front row of this 1933 photograph.

Condition - Good Minus: The original mount is slightly bowed and exhibits spotting in the lower section. A few brown spots are also present in the lower portion of the photograph itself, which otherwise remains well-preserved and retains excellent contrast.