The inventor of jigsaw puzzles
Did the inventor of jigsaw puzzles, John Spilsbury, think about, which enormous success and enthusiasm he created when he invented jigsaws puzzles 250 years ago? He lived in London and today he is regarded to be the inventor of the popular toy product, which can be found in almost any household with or without children as these toy puzzles are entertaining for all age groups. Of course, there are today many more sorts of puzzles toys than in Spilsbury’s time. There are, for example, the classic puzzle, the wooden cube puzzle, different types of puzzles for kids, special wooden jigsaw puzzles for toddlers or personalised jigsaw puzzles which are available via internet.
What is a puzzle?
The puzzle in general is a game whose purpose is to put together many pieces in the right way to get one picture. The term “puzzle“ is an English word and means difficult task or quiz. In German speaking territories, the puzzle is known in this terminology as such since 1960.
History of jigsaw puzzles
At the beginnings of the puzzles business, the motives of the pictures were mostly geographical maps. In the course of the 19th century, puzzle manufacturers chose pictures with straight lines and regular geometric forms. Today, the choice of motives is unlimited: very popular spectacular landscapes, skylines, pictures of animals and flowers, fantasy motives and heroes we know from animated films and comics.
When in former times mainly wooden puzzles were manufactured, today’s puzzles are consisting of thick and stable cardboards. Up to the 20th century, the wood puzzle was manufactured in handwork. However, today’s puzzles are mass produced toys and therefore affordable for each and everyone.
Puzzles are available in different sizes and shapes. There are even round puzzles and three-dimensional ones. The range of size also depends on the size of the puzzle and the pieces a puzzle has. There are 5 piece puzzles for smaller children, for example the wood clock puzzle, and 1500 piece puzzles for adults.
Puzzles are popular presents
Puzzles have resisted the trends in the toy industry to become virtual. They are still today very, very popular among kids. Kids jigsaw puzzles are educational and learning games, which are also increasing the sleight of hands and imagination. Each year before Christmas a lot of kids puzzles are for sale with new and traditional motives. A classic is the wooden animal puzzle.
