The history of jigsaw puzzles dates back to the 18th century and is closely linked to the world of education. It was in 1766 , in England, that cartographer John Spilsbury had an intuition: he glued a map to a wooden board and cut it along the country borders with a hacksaw . His goal was to help children learn geography in a more engaging and intuitive way . This method quickly became popular in schools, quickly becoming a new form of entertainment that fascinated adults and children alike.
The puzzle boom
Initially, puzzles were a luxury reserved for the wealthiest families: made of wood and handcrafted, they were expensive and affordable only to a select few. Only with the advent of printing and industrial production did cardboard puzzles appear, significantly lowering costs and finally making them affordable for everyone.
During the Great Depression of the 1920s and 1930s, puzzles experienced a veritable boom. In an era when money was scarce and cheap entertainment was a necessity, the puzzle became the perfect pastime: cheap, engaging, and reusable . Some companies even turned it into an advertising tool , incorporating their brands and products into the illustrations, turning it into an original marketing strategy.
Over time, the subjects of puzzles diversified: while initially dominated by geographical maps , in the 19th century they began to depict historical and religious scenes, political events, and coronations of sovereigns , eventually including landscapes, animals, and fantasy subjects. This broadening of themes helped make puzzles a constantly evolving cultural phenomenon, capable of adapting to the tastes and interests of every era.
Over time, illustration processes have increasingly developed, and with the rise of digital technology, virtual online puzzles have also emerged. Beyond being a form of entertainment, puzzles are also highly beneficial for the mind, relieving stress, increasing concentration, and being considered a true break from daily routine. In an article, we addressed the topic of social detox , a trend that has increasingly become a necessity in recent months.
Over time, puzzles have become increasingly popular, attracting countless people. Nowadays, puzzles can be huge , with up to 60,000 pieces , covering a surface area of about 21 square meters.
Puzzles Today: The Difference Between Online Puzzles and Physical Puzzles
As mentioned above, today many puzzle enthusiasts hold speed-puzzling competitions or collect them at home, leaving entire rooms empty to fill entirely with puzzles. We also learned of a London girl who, to pursue her passion for collecting and hanging puzzles, rented an apartment to fit them all in one place.
There are also many monthly searches for online puzzle games, but what are the differences between those who play online and those who play in person?
- Those who choose physical puzzles are usually true enthusiasts who buy them to break away from the norm, enjoy the process, and aren't in a rush to finish. Completing a puzzle is a satisfying experience that can even be framed.
- Those who choose online puzzle games want an immediate experience and play alone. Online games may have multiple levels, difficulties, and obstacles to overcome; it's more about a personal challenge than the ultimate satisfaction.
In short, the history of puzzles is constantly evolving, and we're confident that over the years, more and more people will become involved in this form of entertainment. After all, we founded StoPuzzle with this concept: to revolutionize the world of puzzles and engage as many people as possible through unique and unobtainable illustrations created in collaboration with artists from around the world.
