1000 Piece Puzzles - 685mm x 490mm Box Dimensions - 305mm x 305mm x 50mm Gibsons have two new additions to their 2008 jigsaw puzzle catalog from puzzle designer Michael Herring, Henshaw's Mobile Shop (also a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle) and Keeping Out the Cold. The latter 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle appears to taking place on a particularly cold late afternoon or early evening on the farm which could be in England or New England. The farmer has just parked his tractor and is preparing wood on the bandsaw for the fire to combat the cold evening ahead. He puts the smaller logs into the wheelbarrow ready for transporting to the house. The young lad stands behind the Christmas tree giving a helping hand by collecting kindling which appears to be the tree's dried needles. The somewhat elegaic picture is set late in the Christmas season as the tree sits outside waiting for its final disposal. Snow covers the scene and father and son will be eager to get inside to the warmth of the hearth. Michael Herring's life has been spent in the countryside, amongst farming communities. He was born in Watford, long before anyone even thought of building the M1 motorway. His parents' home backed onto open fields where football and cricket were played in between the cowpats. He climbed trees in the woods, explored the banks of the Grand Union Canal and fished and swam in the nearby river Coin. As soon as Michael's talent as an artist developed, it was always going to be the working countryside that he most enjoyed painting. His grandparents lived on a mixed farm, so cows, chickens, tractors and old farm buildings are vivid memories of his childhood. In 1985, Michael took the opportunity to turn professional. His paintings have been the subject of two one-man exhibitions and published both here and abroad, as limited edition prints, ornamental plates, table mats and jigsaw puzzles. Michael has 10 puzzle designs in the new Gibsons jigsaw puzzle catalogue. Gibsons are proud of Michael's work and his long association with Gibsons.
