The "drought" in interest in jigsaw puzzles after WW II ended when Katie & Bob Lewin formed Springbok Editions, New York, NY in 19643and brought out a line of cardboard circular puzzles featuring high-quality color lithography of artworks in various museums around the world. This delighted museum directors as puzzle enthusiasts, after spending long hours assembling Springbok puzzles depicting fine art, would visit the museums just to view the original artwork. Springbok also marketed some wooden puzzles cut by G.J. Hayter & Co., Bournemouth, England. The Lewins sold the company to Hallmark Cards in 1967 and the company carried on for many years as a division of Hallmark.
Billed as "The World’s Most Difficult Puzzle" and produced by Springbok Editions of New York City in 1964, this cardboard puzzle sparked resurgence of interest in jigsaw puzzles which had fallen on hard times after WW II. Springbok collaborated with major art museums to produce quality cardboard puzzles from prints of artwork in their collections, and included in puzzle boxes descriptions of the artists and works of art (as well as color copies). The puzzles helped familiarize the public with pictures at the museums and spurred attendance as assemblers wanted to see the actual works of art after laboring so long to assemble puzzles made from copies. Artist here is Jackson Pollack. Frequently, cardboard puzzles produced today are billed as "World’s Most Difficult Puzzle"; "Convergence" was the first of many.
After WW II interest in America in jigsaw puzzles faded although hand cut puzzles continued to be available along with low quality cardboard scenic puzzles. Then in 1964 Springbok Editions published quality cardboard puzzles using images of artwork in museums around the country. These puzzles became popular almost instantly, and buyers frequently visited the museums to view the original artwork. Interest in quality jigsaw puzzles has remained steady and even grow since then. There are several websites devoted to Springok puzzles. A more interesting one is at: http://www.geocities.com/jigsaw4me/
1966 60 pieces
14”H x 14”W
Springbok Editions / Large Piece Wood
Large Piece Wood puzzle actually cut by Hayter & Sons, Bournemouth, England, for Springbok Editions, New York, NY and marketed under the Springbok name. Our children enjoyed working this puzzle and now our grandchildren do. A classic which should be in every jigsaw puzzle family's repertoire.
1965 500 pieces
19”H x 19”W
Hayter & Co / Springbok Editions
Interest in jigsaw puzzles declined sharply after WW II but flared up in the mid-1960s when Springbok Editons, New Yoirk, NY brought out a line of circular puzzles, many featuring high quality color lithography of original artworks in museums around the world. They also sold some wooden puzzles cut by G.J. Hayter & Co, Bournemouth, England such as this interlocking puzzle which was marketed through the National Audubon Society and includes detailed descriptions of the birds featured as well as guide key.
