History of Jigsaw Puzzles
This history of jigsaw puzzles (and custom puzzles) can be dated
all the way back to 1760 to an English mapmaker. John Spilsbury
created the first custom jigsaw puzzle as an educational tool. By
cutting the countries from his maps using a carefully crafted saw,
Spilsbury found a way to educate children in the geography of the
developing world. This jigsaw puzzle maker also created a fun hobby
and great pastime for individuals of all ages.
First known as dissections, the custom jigsaw puzzle gained favor
in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries as a novelty and
souvenir. Puzzle manufacturers quickly changed materials from wood
to less expensive cardboard in order to make growing demand. These
cardboard picture puzzles could be sold for a quarter of the price
of a standard wooden puzzle.
Arguably the golden age of picture puzzles came during the 1920s
and 1930s in both Europe and the United States. At this time, the
jigsaw puzzle maker saw a dramatic increase in individuals purchasing
puzzles. Adults and children seemed to enjoy the trend of assembling
a puzzle in the days before modern distractions like television.
Also, corporations jumped on the custom puzzle bandwagon and gave
many away as prizes and premiums during this time. Today’s
customized puzzles for business use can than their predecessors
for making this trend popular.
More recently, there has been a shift away from traditional jigsaw
picture puzzles in exchange for a more customizable option. Individuals
are enjoying putting their own faces of personalized jigsaw puzzles
along with custom messages and uniquely shaped puzzle pieces. Today,
Up In Pieces is continuing the rich tradition of the jigsaw puzzle,
with a unique spin courtesy of their customizable options.
|
