Jigsaw Puzzles

Jigsaw Puzzles were originally made by painting a picture onto a piece of wood, and then cutting the picture into smaller pieces using a tool known as a Jigsaw.

In 1760, John Spilsbury, who was a London-based mapmaker, is credited with making the first commercially available jigsaw puzzles. It’s hard to think that technology can change the humble jigsaw, but the truth is that it has. Since that first jigsaw puzzle, the very latest production methods and accurate machinery means that cuts are cleaner, shapes are sharper, and printing is clearer than ever.

In order for Jigsaw puzzles to be reasonably priced, most mass produced ones are made of rigid cardboard, but very high quality wooden ones are also available. Jigsaw puzzles now come in all shapes and sizes – square, rectangular, round, and now 3D ball shaped jigsaw puzzles which are made from precision plastic moulded pieces. The very young are catered for with very simple 2 pieces up to massive 18,000 pieces for the experts!

Another innovation has been the introduction of special shapes into the traditional format, and now pictures on the box which only show a view as seen from the actual picture! jigsaw puzzles libraries have been set up, and many people find the challenge of completing a difficult jigsaw puzzle, both stimulating and relaxing.