In Memoriam: Anthony John Gillam (1943–2026)
It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that the Chess History & Literature Society (formerly KWA) announces the passing of our esteemed founding member, author, and publisher, Anthony “Tony” John Gillam, who left us on 15 August 2026 at the age of 83. With his departure, the chess historical community loses an unparalleled titan of archival research, a pioneering spirit in publishing, and a deeply cherished friend.
Widely known to the chess world by the imprint of his lifelong work, The Chess Player, Tony dedicated decades to uncovering the forgotten corners of our game’s history. His monumental output — comprising hundreds of tournament books, rare match records, and meticulously reconstructed cross-tables — stands as an enduring testament to his relentless work ethic and passion for historical truth. He didn't just preserve history; he actively rescued it from oblivion, as seen in his groundbreaking works like Mannheim 1914 and the Interned Russians or his highly acclaimed documentation on Munich 1942. On the occasion when Tony Gillam turned 80 years old, the chess world justly celebrated his vast bibliography, which remains a core part of our Members' Publications.
Tony’s bond with the late Ken Whyld was one of profound mutual respect, deep-seated friendship, and shared intellectual vision. As two of the UK's most prominent custodians of chess heritage, they spent countless hours debating, researching, and collaborating. Following Ken's sudden passing in 2003, Tony became a cornerstone of the newly founded Ken Whyld Association, serving as a pillar of support and regional coordinator. It was Tony who faithfully went through Ken’s private papers, discovering lost manuscripts and making them available to our members.
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Librarian, Tony Gillam and Calle Erlandsson, Braunschweig 2003 -
Tony Gillam, Jurgen Stigter and Tomasz Lissowski, Braunschweig 2003
On a deeply personal note, Tony was far more than an esteemed colleague to me; he was a close brother-in-arms in the field of chess history and a loyal friend for many decades. We shared an unforgettable journey through the annals of the game, captured beautifully over the years in our shared memories from events like the Sunday Afternoon sessions or our international gatherings in La Tour-de-Peilz. Our collaborative efforts were defined by hours of meticulous analysis and a shared enthusiasm that bridged any distance. Whether we were working alongside international colleagues on complex translation projects — such as the Reprint of Die Brüderschaft 1885/1886 — or painstakingly piecing together my extensive Paul Schmidt biography, Tony’s sharp intellect and uncompromising standards never ceased to inspire me.
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Michael Negele and Tony Gillam, Amsterdam 2016 -
Tony Gillam with the Lasker "Bible"
We shared not only the frustrations of lost data but, above all, the immense joy of historical discovery, a passion that often saw us going from one detail to the next to pierce through the thickest boards of historical uncertainty. To have walked this path alongside him, to have laughed with him, and to have shared his unyielding dedication to the truth is a privilege I will carry with me for the rest of my days.
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Tony Gillam, Berlin-Weissensee Jewish Cemetery, 2006 -
Tony Gillam and Matthias Limberg, Wrocław 2008 -
Tony Gillam, KWA meeting Norwich 2012 -
Tony Gillam and Andreas Saremba, Lasker Evening London 2006 -
Ivan Bottlik (left) and Tony Gilam (right), Vienna 2010, -
Tony Gillam, Vienna 2010 -
Tony Gillam, Cambridge 2013 -
Jurgen Stigter is speaking to Bob van de Velde, Bert Corneth, Leo Hovestadt, Tony Gillam and Ton de Vreede, CH&LS meeting in Wijk aan Zee, 2017 -
Tony was a man of remarkable integrity, a dedicated public servant who served his local community as a councillor for over 30 years - a duty he fulfilled with great pride and joy, celebrated even among his chess friends when Tony Gillam was re-elected — and an exceptionally generous soul. The vacuum he leaves behind in the chess historical community is immense.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the Gillam family during this difficult time. We will honour Tony’s memory by continuing the work he loved so dearly, keeping the light of chess history burning bright.
Rest in peace, dear Tony.
Dr. Michael Negele
On behalf of the Chess History & Literature Society (Ken Whyld Association)
The English Chess Federation's official tribute was published, among other places, on the English Chess Federation's Facebook page, where colleagues and fellow travellers from the chess world have been sharing their memories of Tony.
The page also points to donation pages for Dementia Research UK and Chess in Schools, for those who would like to make a donation in memory of Tony Gillam.