Just Jigsaws is embarking on quest to create the world’s biggest ever hand-cut puzzle – recreating an achievement of the company’s founder more than 50 years on.

Back in 1971, John Trowsdale handcrafted the world’s largest puzzle ever made. It featured an incredible 32,000 pieces.

He went on to found Just Jigsaws, formerly known as WJ & J Trowsdale, in Luton in 1973 with his wife Jacqueline.

Fast forward to 2023 and the company, now located on Alfreton’s Meadow Lane Industrial Estate, is the only UK manufacturer still producing handmade wooden jigsaw puzzles.

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To mark its 50th year this year, Jut Jigsaws wants to recreate John’s world record breaking efforts.

Leading the campaign is his grandson, also called John Trowsdale, who joined the family company in 2014.

At present, Jill Walterbach, from the US, holds the Guiness World Record for for the largest hand-cut jigsaw puzzle. The puzzle, unveiled in 2021, had a total of 101,010 pieces.

Just Jigsaws wants to go further and wants to create a hand-cut puzzle of at least 120,000 pieces.

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The company has set up a Go Fund Me page to help support its efforts.

On the page, John explains that his grandfather, who passed away in 2016, had always wanted to recreate his world record.

So, to mark Just Jigsaw’s 50th year, the company wants to celebrate by attempting to make his “dream come true”.

John writes: “He may not be with us but he’ll be a big part of the making of the world’s largest handmade puzzle.”

The company is seeking donations to help support its mission – any money raised beyond its target will be donated in the form of jigsaw puzzles to Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

You can view the Go Fund Me page here.

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