Picture It . . .

Some History . . .

 

It is generally agreed that in around 1760, a print shop owner and mapmaker from London created the first jigsaw puzzle. He mounted a map onto a piece of wood and then cut along the borders of the countries, as a method of teaching children about geography.  Early puzzles were referred to as dissections.  In 1880 the name changed to the now familiar "jigsaw puzzle" due to the advent of the treadle saw.  In those early days, wood or plywood was used and each puzzle piece was cut out individually.  The pieces did not interlock and a careless bump or sneeze would undo an entire evening's work.

 

Jigsaw puzzles remained primarily a teaching aid until about 1907 upon the emergence of the adult market.  By the 1930’s, jigsaw puzzles were being mass produced from cardboard, cut on huge industrial presses.

 

Colour photocopiers and recent developments in ink-jet technology have reduced printing costs and removed the necessity for photographic enlargements.  The advent of the roller press alleviated the need for huge industrial presses, whereby smaller puzzles could be produced somewhat cheaper, with diversity solely in mind, producing not hundreds of the same puzzle, but instead a hundred different puzzles.

 

Jigsaw puzzles and "children of all ages" fit together like hand in glove.  The excitement of nearing completion, followed by the thrill of the end product is the ultimate in character enhancement.  Building jigsaw puzzles enhances motor skills, improves 3-dimensional perception and teaches the art of patience.

 

Any photograph, a piece of artwork done by a child, a favourite picture or a poster can be used to create a unique jigsaw.  Whether this is a personalized gift or message, the puzzle will be remembered, kept and treasured.