About Frank Camaratta

The most impactful names in history are often not the ones you hear the most. While the champions and winners have a shining moment in the spotlight, it’s the inventors and innovators who shape the objects in our homes and workplaces. One name you should know as a chess player is Frank Camaratta, founder of House of Staunton and an expert designer, historian, and dealer in chess equipment. Chess changed the course of his life as a child, and as you’ll see, Frank went on to change many things about chess.

The Many Lives of Mr. Camaratta

Frank grew up in the 1940’s in Philadelphia, PA. It was a rough start—one Frank describes as “upper poverty.” His parents were first-generation immigrants and worked hard to scrape together a living. Frank expected his life’s work to be the same kind of manual construction labor as his dad. His school career up until high school was undistinguished, as he didn’t like school. Some high school friends in his neighborhood decided to teach him chess, assuming he would be easy to beat. Frank was not easy to beat. As he became a chess phenom in Philadelphia, his grades improved.

Once chess opened doors to academic and personal achievement, the sky was the limit for Frank. Actually, it might be more accurate to say the sky didn’t pose a limit. He went on to obtain an advanced engineering degree and work on aircraft and spacecraft projects with NASA. He excelled at identifying the root causes of issues and proposing practical, effective fixes.

The First American Chess Congress Series Luxury Commemorative Chess Pieces - 4.4" King

The Staunton Design

An antique chess set in a London shop changed everything again in 1986. Frank discovered his first antique Staunton chess set made by Jacques of London. Learning that these sets were in demand in the United States and readily available at reasonable prices, he became a broker and dealer in antique chess equipment. As his expertise grew, he proposed recreating the iconic Staunton set to Jacques. Thus began the renaissance of elegant, playable chess sets that became The House of Staunton.

The House of Staunton has grown significantly over the decades by setting a high standard in chess equipment. Frank introduced innovations that have become expectations, including patented weighting solutions and chess clock mechanics. While the basic Staunton set has become a global standard, Frank also designs elegant luxury sets crafted from fine materials and imbued with an inimitable artistic flair. When asked how he drafts these new designs, he’ll respond, “A pencil.” Iconic, Frank.

The Biedermeier Pre-Staunton Vintage Series Luxury Chess Pieces - 4.4" King

Now that Frank has sold House of Staunton and retired (we’re using the term loosely), he continues his work discovering and offering fine chess equipment at ChessAntiques.com. He’s still designing for House of Staunton with his trusty pencil and paper, enjoying being on the artistic side without the headaches of being the boss. Whether he’s dreaming up a new contemporary design or evaluating an antique set for sale, Frank is the undisputed king of Staunton chess pieces.

Part I

A Life Transformed by Chess: True Tales of Frank Camaratta

Our interview series with Frank Camaratta, the founder of House of Staunton, is coming to a close. We’ve heard from Frank on his childhood in Philadelphia and his careers in aerospace and chess. Odds are high that you’ve learned something new about Frank, even for those who are lucky enough to know him personally. We’ll finish up with some fun stories and reflection, told in Frank’s inimitable style.

Learn More →

Part II

A Life Transformed by Chess: True Tales of Frank Camaratta

More than just a young chess phenom and advocate for the sport, Frank Camaratta has had two very interesting careers. First, he was an aerospace engineer and executive, working as a subcontractor to NASA. Then, after two decades, Frank decided to leave behind the stress of government contracting and its red tape to become a chess antiques dealer and chess set designer.

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Part III

A Life Transformed by Chess: True Tales of Frank Camaratta

Our interview series with Frank Camaratta, the founder of House of Staunton, is coming to a close. We’ve heard from Frank on his childhood in Philadelphia and his careers in aerospace and chess. Odds are high that you’ve learned something new about Frank, even for those who are lucky enough to know him personally. We’ll finish up with some fun stories and reflection, told in Frank’s inimitable style.

Learn More →