Wentworth Wooden Puzzles facts for kids
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| Private | |
| Founded | Pinkney, Wiltshire, UK (1994) |
| Founder | Kevin Wentworth Preston |
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Area served
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Worldwide |
| Products | Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles |
The Wentworth Wooden Jigsaw Company (also known as Wentworth Wooden Puzzles) makes special wooden jigsaw puzzles. They are known for their unique pieces that often match the picture on the puzzle. The company started in 1991 in Pinkney, England. This village is near Malmesbury in an area called the Cotswolds.
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How the Company Started
The company began on a dairy farm. When farming milk became difficult, the farm had to find new ways to make money. Some old farm buildings were turned into workshops. This area became a place for many businesses, including the new puzzle company.
Using Lasers to Cut Puzzles
In the past, jigsaws were cut using a special saw called a bandsaw. This method needed a lot of skill and patience. It was hard work to cut detailed shapes in wood this way.
To make puzzles faster and better, a new method was needed. In 1994, the company's founder, Kevin Wentworth Preston, found a solution. He started using Laser technology to cut the puzzle pieces. Lasers can cut many materials quickly and precisely.
This laser cutting method helps Wentworth Puzzles focus on quality. It also allows them to create new and interesting designs. The company now makes over 250,000 puzzles each year. These puzzles are sent to more than 35 countries around the world.
The design team creates each puzzle's unique cut style. Many designs include special "whimsy" shapes.
What Are Whimsy Pieces?
Whimsies are unique, fun shapes cut into puzzles. They often match the theme of the puzzle's picture. For example, a puzzle with a picture of animals might have pieces shaped like tiny animals.
This idea comes from the Victorian-era, when jigsaw puzzles became very popular. Back then, people cut puzzles by hand. They would add these special shapes "on a whim." Wentworth Puzzles continues this older tradition. They are one of the few companies still making puzzles with these unique Victorian-style pieces.
All Wentworth wooden puzzles are cut from strong 3mm thick wooden boards. This makes them very durable. They come in a cotton bag inside a sturdy box. You can choose to have a picture of the puzzle on the box. If there is no picture, it adds an extra challenge and surprise!
- Made from: 3mm wooden board from forests managed in a sustainable way.
- Special Features: Puzzles rarely have corner pieces. Also, you won't find two pieces that are exactly the same shape.
- Whimsical Shapes: All standard puzzles include unique shapes that match the puzzle's theme.
- Packaging: Each puzzle comes in a cloth bag inside a strong box made from recycled materials.
Different Puzzle Styles
Traditional Puzzles
All traditional puzzles from Wentworth include the special whimsy pieces. They come in common sizes like 100, 250, 500, 1,000, and 1,500 pieces.
Personalized Puzzles
You can even create a puzzle using your own photo or image! Wentworth Puzzles offers this option in all their sizes. You can also add text to the image, like "Happy Birthday" or "Happy Anniversary."
Challenging Puzzles
The company also makes very difficult puzzles. Some of these are called Tessellation puzzles. Their pieces are almost all identical in shape. Some pieces might be shaped like animals, such as deer. Other challenging puzzles feature repeating plant shapes, like ivy or holly.
Puzzles for Kids
Wentworth Puzzles designs shapes and styles for all ages and skill levels. They have puzzles especially for children. These usually have larger, easier-to-handle pieces. The patterns and shapes are simpler too. In 2008, the company received an award for its children's puzzles.
Mini Mindful Puzzles
On May 6, 2021, Wentworth Wooden Puzzles launched a series of mini jigsaw puzzles. These puzzles were created to help people relax and feel calm. They also supported Mental Health Awareness Week. Money from the sales during that week was given to Mind, a charity that helps people with mental health issues in the UK.
How COVID-19 Affected Puzzles
In March 2020, many people stayed home because of COVID-19. The Wentworth factory in Wiltshire saw a huge increase in orders. They received nearly 400% more orders than usual and worked hard to keep up.
To thank those fighting the virus, the company made a special "say thank you with a rainbow" puzzle. By March 2021, the company announced they had raised almost £12,000. This money was donated to a local charity helping with coronavirus efforts.
