You might thank the Age of Enlightenment for today's jigsaw puzzles. John Spilbury's pedagogical instincts did not come from nowhere but were rather the outcome of several centuries of the advancement of civilisation starting with the Renaissance period of Europe from about 14th century and lasting for over two hundred years. The Renaissance promoted the rediscovery of classical philosophy, literature and art. Newly established scientific institutions and the general population slowly enjoyed more freedoms and economic prosperity as the Medieval period and its yolk of the Church's teachings gave way to the pursuits of science, history, literature, philosophy and the arts. The separation of powers between Church and State encouraged such subject matter to be explored without fear of religious retribution.
The Age of Enlightenment beginning in the mid 17th century was free to challenge man's position in the world using all manner of intellectual enquiry. In France, for example, the central doctrines of the Enlightenment philosophers were individual freedom and religious tolerance, in opposition to an absolute monarchy and the fixed dogmas of the Church. Explorers were now given licence to explore the world and return with unique objects, plants and animals not to mention tales of exotic peoples. It redounded to a wealthy man's standing by boosting his enlightened attitude if he could demonstrate his ownership of some wierd and wonderful booty extracted by fair means or foul.
The Nautilus shell which appears in so many 18th century still life paintings is a testament to its owner's curiousity and wealth. The nautilus (shell) is a member of the cephalopod marine form of life which includes squid, octopus and cuttlefish. The words nautlius derives from the ancient Latin's Greek translation of the word for sailor. The nautilus shell is only found in the indo-pacific oceans and would have required a significant undertaking by any seafaring expedition in its quest for objects curious and exotic. Owing such a prize would surely be a feather in the cap of any European gentleman of breeding (wealth) intelligence (more wealth) and social aspiration (even more wealth). A requirement to navigate the south seas would necessitae the use of maps therefor such maps in a genteman's possession might be a more affordable affectation of genteel snobbery. Realistically, it's more than likely that many curios such as the nautlius shell would have been available at the more cosmopolitain upmarket shops. Exploring the world using sophisticated maps is itself a testament to scientific endeavour and would have been another example of intellectual inquiry. It comes as no surprise then that someone like John Spilsbury a rather mediocre book publisher and map maker would be the father of a hobby that has lasted almost three hundred years. Painting the latest geographic discoveries onto wooden boards and sawing them into pieces to be used by children as a pedagogical tool was a brilliant idea. By puting the pieces together properly with all the nations in order would be but a piece in a child's education.
You can almost imagine that one form of entertainment in the Salon of the 18th century might be the unrolling of maps and excercising of the imagination with tall tales being told of adventurers' bold strides into uncharted waters and setting foot onto islands teeming with unfriendly natives.
Of course we cannot forget that it may well have been the Age of Enlightenment but it was really only the well off who could purchase the latest discoveries and indulge their fanciful political, social and business chit chat in eighteenth century's London's three thousand coffee houses. The Poor House was still there to collect homeless youngsters and turn them into slave labour; not to mention debtor's prison which would be quite willing to transfer the prison time from the actual debtor onto the shoulders of a young person of no means, to serve out the sentence.
Today, grown-up jigsaw puzzles for adults are produced using completely interlocking puzzle pieces made of cardboard. This guarantees each astounding puzzle piece fits cozily into the correct area most assuredly. Gibsons utilize the capacities of craftsmen best-known for their point by point and sequentially exact vehicles and settings such as Terry Harrison. Terry not just paints interesting vehicles going back numerous decades, he also represents considerable authority in sensible delineations of sea side towns dotted all through the British Isles. Derek Roberts is another puzzle maker and has numerous such trifles in the Gibson's inventory. His hues are itemized and immersed and he reproduces excursions taken at British seaside towns as affectionately recalled vacationer scenes that are frequently interspersed up with nonexistent scenes. Derek's work is packed with vehicles like cable cars and transports just as autos and vans which are all very unmistakable to the vehicle lover. Kevin Walsh is another stickler for detail. Anybody intrigued by great British autos from their pinnacle will love Kevin's Jaguars, his MG's also his demandingly rendered icons of steam driven homestead vehicles and Cadbury vans made by the Morris Minor vehicle maker. A hilarious version of the occasionally humiliating conduct of people is spoken to in comical style by that ace of the animation perplex, Mike Jupp. Mike's work has been a pillar in the Gibsons list for over 10 years and he has twelve absurdly amusing riddles jam pressed with a wide range of gathering kookiness just as incalculable individual tricks. Not to be missed! Get your Gibsons jigsaw astounds in Canada at from our site at www.canadapuzzles.ca
All Gibsons jigsaw puzzles, paying much respect to the period recalled, show people (and family pets) having a most magical and astounding passage of time and interfacing with each other inside or outside, especially at Christmas time. Every year Gibsons present numerous Christmas bewilderments generally painted by Marcello Corti who has turned into an ace of the Christmas Eve town scene.
Whatever your puzzle fancy is most assuredly akin to gentle puzzler aficianado, it is Gibsons intention whereby to make evident your enjoyment is not curtailed by poor puzzle pictures. Memories and fun will abound but make sure to localise your puzzle search no further afield than www.canadapuzzles.ca. For Christmas puzzles this year, here are some very attractive scenes: G2019 Secret Santa is one brilliant example of the Gibsons Christmas puzzle range and how about I Love Christmas by Mike Jupp another 1000 piece puzzles masterpiece. There are dozens of Gibsons Christmas puzzles to choose from. Jigsaw puzzles for adults really includes all the Gibsons puzzles although, perhaps, the larger piece puzzles might prove suitable for younger puzzlers. Many of the puzzles are also of the extra large piece variety as well as the multiple box set such as Village Celebrations which is a 2 x 500 box set. Lets not forget that there's even a 2000 piece puzzle for Christmas: Christmas Toy Shop (G8016).
All our orders are packed in the most sturdy and compliant boxes and are guarded jealously by their mode of transporter lest he come to part with his goodwill and his compensation.
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