The history of jigsaw puzzles is closely linked to the material wood. The first documented jigsaw p uzzle was invented in 1766 by the English engraver and card dealer John Spilsbury.
He glued a map of Great Britain onto a wooden board and sawed it into pieces along the border lines of the various counties. These puzzles were originally used as a teaching aid to teach children geography.
Over time, puzzles evolved and were increasingly used for entertainment purposes. Puzzle design evolved from simple geometric shapes to more complex representations such as landscapes, buildings and well-known personalities.
It was not until the middle of the 19th century that "interlock puzzles" appeared, in which the individual pieces are interlocked with each other. This innovation significantly improved the handling of the puzzles and made them even more popular.
The transition from wood to other materials such as cardboard did not take place until the 20th century, when the mass production of puzzles began. This development made puzzles more affordable and therefore accessible to a wider audience.
However, wood remained relevant and valued as a material for puzzles, particularly because of its robustness and pleasant feel. Wooden puzzles as we know them today are often part of a sustainable and environmentally friendly range of toys and offer educational value in addition to the fun factor.