Tower Press, "Conway Castle", 400pcs

 

2018.01.30 - date comleted
Tower Press (UK)
"Conway Castle"
400 pieces

NOTE: Tower Press was a British jigsaw and games manufacturer, most active from the 1930s until the late 1960s when they were bought by Waddingtons in 1969. By the early 1960s they were the largest jigsaw maker in the world.

Conwy Castle (Welsh: Castell Conwy, English: Conway Castle) is a medieval fortification in Conwy, on the north coast of Wales. It was built by Edward I, during his conquest of Wales, between 1283 and 1289. Constructed as part of a wider project to create the walled town of Conwy, the combined defences cost around £15,000, a huge sum for the period. Over the next few centuries, the castle played an important part in several wars.

Winning Moves, "London 2012 Olympic Stadium", 1000pcs

2018.01.28 - date completed
Winning Moves (UK)
"London 2012 Olympic Stadium", 2012 year
1000 pieces

NOTE: Celebrate London 2012 with this 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle featuring the Olympic Park centrepiece, the Olympic Stadium. 

The London 2012 Olympic Stadium is one of the most sustainable sports venues ever built. It features low-carbon concrete, 75% less steel than other venues ans surplus gas pipes around the top. It is a visual testament to London 2012's "reduce, reuse and recycle" approach.

Lumar, "Old Timbers" wooden, 266pcs

 


2018.01.19 - date completed
Lumar (UK)
"Old Timbers"
266 pieces

NOTE: Rare quirk that picture on lid is printed in reverse

Victory, "Puppies and Birds" wooden, 52pcs

2018.01.16 - date completed
Victory (UK)
"Puppies and Birds"
52 pieces
Wooden jigsaw

Kolorbax, "Golden Arrow" wooden, 200pcs

2018.01.08 - date completed
Kolorbax (UK)
"Golden Arrow" 1940's
200 pieces
Wooden Jigsaw
Illustration: B. A Osborne

NOTE: The first photograph depicts a wooden 150-piece puzzle by Kolorbax from the original artwork by B. A Osborne. A 'Merchant Navy' class 'Pacific' No.21C1 Channel Packet is shown heading the prestigious Southern Railway's  'Golden Arrow' express of Pullman coaches. Osborne has included an aeroplane in his painting and line-side engineers add human interest.

The 'Golden Arrow' luxury service, from Victoria to Dover, began operating c1929 starting as an all-Pullman train hauled by a 4-6-0 'Lord Nelson' class locomotive or, occasionally, by a 'King Arthur' class 4-6-0. On arrival at Dover passengers were treated to a first class English Channel crossing to Calais on a specially built ferry, Canterbury, owned by the Southern Railway (SR). At Calais passengers boarded an equally prestigious French train, the 'Fleche d'Or', for the journey to Paris. By the late 1930's, however, the 'Golden Arrow' service included ordinary first and second class carriages in its formation as the interest in luxury, all Pullman travel declined. The service was terminated at the outbreak of war in 1939, but was re-introduced in 1946 when a special headboard (until 1961) was added to the front of the locomotive. This headboard was truly inspirational with a large golden arrow piercing a green circle, the latter embracing the famous words, also in gold. British and French flags, fixed to the front of the locomotive, and a horizontal Golden Arrow fixed to each side of the locomotive, added even more flair. Interestingly, artists were sometimes criticised for inverting the flags on the buffer beam.

"Elves" wooden, 32pcs

2018.01.08 - date comleted
"Elves"
32 pieces
Wooden jigsaw puzzle

Innovakids, "Noah's Ark", 1000pcs

2017.12.25 - date completed
Innovakids (Germany)
"Noah's Ark", 2016 year
1000 pieces
Illustration: Roy Trower

NOTE: Product Features:

• Top-quality printing and materials
• Clean-cut edges for smoothly interlocking pieces
• Variety of shapes thanks to handcrafted cutting tools
• Bend-resistant pieces
• Made from eco-friendly cardbord

WHS Smith, "Calella", 500pcs

2017.12.14 - date completed
WHS Smith (UK)
"Calella" 2012 year
500 pieces
Illustration: Sam Park

NOTE: Sung Sam Park was born in 1949 in Seoul, Korea where he began painting at the age of twelve. His talent and teaching abilities were quickly recognized and by the age of thirteen, while still a junior high school student, Park was teaching painting at the local high school.  Park traveled to France after graduating from Jung Ang University. There he studied painting and lived with other young artists in Paris. While there, he evolved his vision of impressionism and hyper-realism. His artistic style today clearly reflects the inspiration of the French Impressionists. Sam Park went on to establish himself in several European galleries, and continues to exhibit in many of them today.  Sam Park came to the United States of America in 1994, where he lives on the coast of Southern California. He has exhibited in numerous galleries throughout the country and his works have become highly sought-after.

Calella is a seaside city on the Costa del Maresme, 58 km northeast of Barcelona, in Catalonia, Spain.The beach at Calella is a public beach popular in the summer months with locals and tourists. The beach is just over 2 km long and its southern stretch is quieter than the central and northern portions. The beach has been consistently awarded the European quality Blue Flag.

AA, "Grindleford, Derbyshire", 500pcs

2017.12.12 - date completed
AA (The Automobile Association, UK)
Villages Collection
"Grindleford, Derbyshire" 2008 year
500 pieces
Photo: Tom Mackie
https://www.tommackie.com/

NOTE: Climbing plants and hanging baskets add colour and fragrance to a row of old stone-build cottages at Grindleford, Derbyshire, in  the Peak District National Park.

The AA, (originally The Automobile Association) is a British motoring association founded in 1905, which currently provides car insurance, driving lessons, breakdown cover, loans, motoring advice, road maps and other services.
https://shop.theaa.com/

Falcon / Jumbo, "Forever Friends", 500pcs

2017.12.10 - date completed
Falcon / Jumbo  (UK / Netherlands)
"Forever Friends"
500 pieces
http://foreverfriends.co.uk/

NOTE: If you need a squashy shoulder to lean on or ear to listen, the loveable Forever Friends Bears are always there for you! With the warmest of hearts, the biggest of hugs and the snuggliest of smile... who can resist their cuteness? Over a quarter of a century has passed since the famous Forever Friends Bears were first drawn. In that tine one thing's never changed - our dedication to helping you express love and friendship.

Jumbo Quality:

• Wide variety of images
• Seamless look
• Environmentally friendly, recycled cardboard
• Each piece has a unique fit and shape.

Craftmanship counts... Quality has been an obsession at Jumbo for the last 160 years. Ever since we began creating puzzles, we have used the most exacting techniques to ensure we produce puzzles of the finest quality. It's a journey that starts when we first select our images. Not every beautiful picture makes for an entertaining puzzle. That's why we take such care over the choices we make. Then, we ensure that we use only the finest quality board, making sure that each piece will keep its optimum shapeand fit seamlessly together, time after time. Each piece is carefully cut in such a way that finished picture will look more like a poster than a puzzle. At Jumbo, puzzle making is more than a craft. It's a passion. Something we will continue to take pride in for years to come. We wish you hours of puzzle fun!

Eurographics, "Cupcakes Galore", 2000 pcs

2017.12.09 - date completed
Eurographics (USA)
"Cupcakes Galore"
2000 pieces

NOTE: Ingrid's Vanilla Cupcakes

Ingredients:

• 1.1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 3 table spoons butter, softened
• 1.1/2 cups white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk

Directions:

Preheat oven to 175 degrees C. Line a muffin pan with paper or foil liners. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well with each addition, then stir in the vanilla. Add the flour mixture alternately with the milk; beat well. Fill the muffin cups 3/4 full. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean. Frost with your favorite frosting when cool.

Arrow Games, "The Pet Lamb" wooden, 35 pcs

2017.12.09 - date completed

Arrow Games, (UK)

My Pets

"The Pet Lamb"

Wooden Jig-Saw

35 Pieces

Fame Puzzles, "Derbyshire near Matlock", 1000pcs

12.11.2017 - date completed
Fame Puzzles (Netherlands)
"Derbyshire near Matlock"
1000 pieces

Waddingtons, "Polar Bear Family", 500pcs

2017.10.29 - date completed
"Waddingtons" (UK)
Wildlife
"Baby Harp Seal", 1989 year
De-Luxe 500 Puzzle
Illustration: Leonard Pearman

B.V. Leisure, "The Fishing Edition", 529 pcs

2017.10.28 - date completed
V.B. Leisure (UK)
World's Most Difficult Jigsaw Puzzle
"The Fishing Edition"
529 pieces
Illustration: Dave F Smith

NOTE: Only 529 pieces - seems like 4000. Why so difficult? This 529 piece puzzle is double sided, depicting the same artwork on both sides, rotated 90° with respect to each other. The puzzle is then die cut once from each side so top and bottom are identical!

What makes it so difficult? Most jigsaw puzzles have a picture on one side only, this puzzle has a picture on both sides, rotated ninety degrees from each other, and it's the same picture! That's very difficult, but it's only half the story! All other regular jigsaw puzzles have vertical interlocking lines all cut from the same side so that it is immediately obvious which is the top. This puzzle has the vertical interlocking lines cut from one side and equally spaced horizontal interlocking lines cut from the other side. It's impossible to distinguish one side from the other. Each piece must be compared on both sides for size, shape, and colour. Believe me, this is difficult!

B.V. Leisure, "Trying is the first step towards failure" Photomosaics, 1000pcs

2017.10.22 - date completed
V.B. Leisure (UK)
Photomosaics
The Simpsons
"Trying is the first step towards failure", 2005 year
1000 pieces
Illustration: Matt Groening

NOTE: Thousands of miniature scenes combined to make one awesome portrait!

Homer Simpson - despite lifelong belittlement by his father, Homer deeply loves and is intensely devoted to his wife and kids, when it occurs to him. Thus, Lisa feels left out, Bart acts out, and, as far as Homer is concerned, Maggie rarely even exist. As for Marge, Homer often sings her praises - between rounds of beer at Moe's Tavern. Now, if only he could remember the words to that praise-song. Homer is a man who, through punishing trial and error, has proven that even one's loftiest goals are attainable. Provided you set them low enough and assuming they include donuts. He is also well versed in the ins and outs of his job at the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant, having been fired and rehired repeatedly for the same position.

Welcome to Springfield, USA - the town that put the "fun" in dysfunctional! Whether enjoying the shotgun sociability of Moe's Tavern, a creamed corn-sicle at the Springfield Retirement Castle, the gene-altering radiance of the Springfield Nuclear Plant, or the warm perspiration of a Kwik-E-Mart heat-lamp dog, you'll always feel special in Springfield, where - compared to US - you're royalty!

Gibsons, "Summer Colours - Dianne Flynn", 1000pcs

2017.10.08 - date completed
Gibsons Puzzles (UK)
Heritage
"Summer Colours - Dianne Flynn"
1000 piece de luxe puzzle
Illustration: Dianne Flynn

NOTE: The Artist - Dianne Flynn.  Born in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, Dianne studied at Huddersfield School of Art and Batley School of art. From 1970-1973 she studied at Manchester School of Art and graduated with the Diploma in Art and Design. In 1974 she was awarded the Art Teacher's Certificate by Leeds Polytechnic Institute of Art Education.

She lived and painted in Languedoc during 1974 and in Tuscany during 1977 and 1978. Since 1976 she has been a full-time painter, and has lived in Normandy since 1989.

For several years she demonstrated and lectured throughout the country for George Rowney & Co., on the various techniques of oil, acrylic, watercolour and pastel. 

An accomplished portrait painter, her book "Portrait Drawing Techniques" was published by Batsford in 1979. She has also written a number of articles on portrait painting for the Artist magazine.

From 1982-1995 her paintings were sold exclusively by MacConnal-Mason of Duke Street, London SW1 and were exhibited in many places worldwide, including The European Fine Art Fair in Maastricht,  New York, San Francisco, Dallas, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Monaco.

Exhibited at: Huddersfield gallery, Ferens Art Gallery (Hull), The Royal Society of Portrait Painters, The Royal Overseas League (First Prize winner), The Pastel Society, Liberty's Art Gallery, Francis Iles Gallery (Rochester), Seen Gallery (London), The Art Centre (Bedford), Harrod's Picture Gallery, Galerie Joniskeit (Stuttgart), Michael Stewart Fine Art (Brighton), Magee Art Gallery (Belfast), Cooper Fine Arts (London), Polak Gallery (London), Gallery Chaye (Honfleur).

The Works / Puzzle World, "Butterflies" 3D, 1000pcs

2017.09.29 - date completed
"The Works / Puzzle World" (UK)
3D Lenticular
"Butterflies"
3D Moving Image
1000 Piece

NOTE: Lenticular printing is a technology in which lenticular lenses (a technology that is also used for 3D displays) are used to produce printed images with an illusion of depth, or the ability to change or move as the image is viewed from different angles.

Waddingtons, "Baby Harp Seal", 500pcs

2017.09.22 - date completed
"Waddingtons" (UK)
Wildlife
"Baby Harp Seal", 1989 year
De-Luxe 500 Puzzle
Illustration: Leonard Pearman

NOTE: The harp seal has a silvery-gray body. Its eyes are pure black. It has black harp or wishbone-shaped markings on the back. The baby harp seal pup has a yellow-white coat at birth, but after three days, the coat turns white and stays white for about 2–3 weeks.

Falcon / Jumbo, "I Love Paris", 1000pcs

2017 09.17 - date completed
Falcon / Jumbo  (UK / Netherlands)
Humour
"I Love Paris"
1000 pieces
Illustration: Graham Thompson

NOTE: Graham Thompson, loves to draw everyday things and the situation and scrapes we all find ourselves in from time to time. He first started drawing at the tender age of two and just found drawing a natural thing to do. Having left school to be a junior Stained Glass Window Designer. He then moved into advertising.
For 30 years he worked as an illustrator/storyboard artist with top London advertising agencies. These days he prefers to work at a less hectic pace and concentrates on drawings for puzzles, calendars and posters.

Falcon / Jumbo, "Buckingham Palace", 1000pcs

2017.09.16 - date completed
Falcon / Jumbo (UK / Netherlands)
Capital
"Buckingham Palace"
1000 pieces de luxe puzzle
Photo: Vic Guy
http://www.vkguy.co.uk/

NOTE: Buckingham Palace is the London residence and administrative headquarters of the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom. Located in the City of Westminster, the palace is often at the centre of state occasions and royal hospitality. It has been a focal point for the British people at times of national rejoicing and mourning.
Originally known as Buckingham House, the building at the core of today's palace was a large townhouse built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703 on a site that had been in private ownership for at least 150 years. It was acquired by King George III in 1761 as a private residence for Queen Charlotte and became known as The Queen's House. During the 19th century it was enlarged, principally by architects John Nash and Edward Blore, who constructed three wings around a central courtyard. Buckingham Palace became the London residence of the British monarch on the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837.
The last major structural additions were made in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including the East front, which contains the well-known balcony on which the royal family traditionally congregates to greet crowds. The palace chapel was destroyed by a German bomb during World War II; the Queen's Gallery was built on the site and opened to the public in 1962 to exhibit works of art from the Royal Collection.
The original early 19th-century interior designs, many of which survive, include widespread use of brightly coloured scagliola and blue and pink lapis, on the advice of Sir Charles Long. King Edward VII oversaw a partial redecoration in a Belle Époque cream and gold colour scheme. Many smaller reception rooms are furnished in the Chinese regency style with furniture and fittings brought from the Royal Pavilion at Brighton and from Carlton House. The palace has 775 rooms, and the garden is the largest private garden in London. The state rooms, used for official and state entertaining, are open to the public each year for most of August and September and on some days in winter and spring.

B.V. Leisure, "The Simpsons", 550pcs

2017.09.10 - date completed
B.V. Leisure (UK)
"The Simpsons" 1998 year
550 piece Double Sided Jigsaw Puzzle
Illustration: Matt Groening

NOTE: See if you spot your favourite Simpsons character - a complete guide is included in the box.

Matthew Abraham "Matt" Groening born February 15, 1954 is an American cartoonist, writer, producer, animator, and voice actor. He is the creator of the comic strip Life in Hell (1977–2012) and the television series The Simpsons (1989–present), Futurama (1999–2003, 2008–2013), and the upcoming Disenchantment (2018). The Simpsons has gone on to become the longest-running U.S. primetime-television series in history, as well as the longest-running animated series and sitcom.
Groening made his first professional cartoon sale of Life in Hell to the avant-garde Wet magazine in 1978. At its peak, the cartoon was carried in 250 weekly newspapers. Life in Hell caught the attention of James L. Brooks. In 1985, Brooks contacted Groening with the proposition of working in animation for the Fox variety show The Tracey Ullman Show. Originally, Brooks wanted Groening to adapt his Life in Hell characters for the show. Fearing the loss of ownership rights, Groening decided to create something new and came up with a cartoon family, the Simpson family, and named the members after his own parents and sisters—while Bart was an anagram of the word brat. The shorts would be spun off into their own series The Simpsons, which has since aired 618 episodes. In 1997, Groening and former Simpsons writer David X. Cohen developed Futurama, an animated series about life in the year 3000, which premiered in 1999, running for four years on Fox, then picked up by Comedy Central for additional seasons. Groening is currently developing a new series for Netflix titled Disenchantment, which is set to premiere in 2018.
Groening has won 12 Primetime Emmy Awards, ten for The Simpsons and two for Futurama as well as a British Comedy Award for "outstanding contribution to comedy" in 2004. In 2002, he won the National Cartoonist Society Reuben Award for his work on Life in Hell. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on February 14, 2012.