Geoff’s Top Picks
My favourite Puzzles & favourite Artists
so hard to choose!
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Lots of very good ratings for this one who especially like the four drawers and the heavy rubber covers!
I love Marcello Corti's work and he makes a welcome return to Gibsons. He painted several Christmas puzzles before Tony Ryan took over for a few years (and did a fantastic job).
Marcello is now back, and what an amazing puzzle this is. Look at the detail in the faces. There are children riding donkeys, Santa driving a tractor, and it even looks like Sherlock Holmes is blasting out some Christmas carols!
You can find more Gibsons Christmas puzzles on Amazon here.
My Favourite Jigsaw Puzzles
How do I choose my favourite puzzles & artists?!
It’s a pretty impossible task having worked with so many over 23 years,
and sincere apologies to all those talented artists I have had to leave out this time.
I love puzzles that have meaning. Those that ‘tell a story’ through the tiny details that artists include in the background.
The puzzlers only find out when piecing the puzzle close up.
Artists like Michael Herring & Tony Ryan include their personal items & memories in their paintings.
Janice Daughters includes Ralphie Rabbit in all of hers!
Best Puzzle for Christmas
Christmas Spirit
Ltd. Edition 2023
by Marcello Corti – simply one of the best Christmas scene artists in the world of puzzles.
Best Puzzle for Mother
Disney & Kinkade
A really interesting collaboration with classic Disney characters appearing in the World of Thomas Kinkade.
Best Puzzle
for Father
Marvel Impossible!
Which Dad doesn’t like the Avengers? I certainly do, and this is an ‘impossible’ puzzle so it will keep him quiet for hours!
Best Puzzle
for Grandma
Cookies & Cocoa
A tasty treat from Aimeee Stewart
one of the world’s
most talented jigsaw puzzle artists.
Best Puzzle for Grandad
Grandad’s Workshop
My favourite puzzle ever! It was an honour to work with the amazing artist Michael Herring on his last ever puzzle.
Best Puzzle for
USA Memories
James Mellett
A Pittsburgh native and freelance illustrator for over 20 years. How many characters does he fit in!
From White Mountain Puzzles.
Best Puzzle for
UK Memories
Robert Opie
Robert is an absolute genius to work with.
Robert knows everything about UK nostalgia and is the owner of the Museum of Brands.
Best Puzzle for Alphabets!
Val Goldfinch
From A-Z, Val paints the most detailed puzzles I have seen. The detail in every puzzle piece will amaze you. Use a magnifying glass!
Best Fine Art Wooden Puzzle
Starry Night
Wooden Whimsys!
I was fortunate enough to see this painting in real life. Wooden Whimsys are special shaped pieces – here from Nautilus Puzzles.
Best Puzzle for
Maps
Maria Rabinky
The best puzzle maps?
I think so – just look at the research that Maria has done to include those famous landmarks. Also a good capital city test!
My Favourite UK Puzzle Artists
I have been so fortunate to work with so many talented and friendly artists over my 23 years in the world of puzzles.
Best Artist for the ‘Good Old Days’!
Trevor Mitchell
His 4×500 puzzles have become a legend in remembering the ‘Good Old days’ through a series of four puzzles
Best Artist for Shops
Tony Ryan
Somehow Tony Ryan gets the most incredible detail & colour into every one of his shop interiors. Fascinating!
Best Artist for Vintage Cars
Kevin Walsh
The legend of the red MG & his beloved dog which he tries to include in all his paintings! The master of all classic cars.
Best Artist for Planes
Matthew Emeny
He has just got better & better since we started working together.
The level of background detail is astonishing.
Best Artist for Wildlife
Janice Daughters
What can I say about Janice!
She is an absolute insipration for all aspiring jigsaw puzzle artists!
Best Photographic Puzzles
Robert Opie Collection
Robert has been collecting his everyday objects for decades – and creates the most interesting photo puzzles!
Best Artist for People
Steve Crisp
Steve is probably one of the most atmospheric painters with people. He always manages to create a great puzzl.
Best Artist for Cartoons
Wasgij
The most successful range of puzzles ever – and there is no picture of the puzzle on the box??
Best Artist for Crazyness
Colin Thompson
What an incredible imagination! I haven;t met him, but I hope to one day to see what makes him tick!
Best Artist for
Cats
Linda Jane Smith
I’ve met Linda and she likes a quiet life. You wouldn’t guess it from her crazy paintings.
My Favourite Puzzle Accessories
You spend hours, days or weeks on your puzzles (or know somebody who does).
It’s really important to make sure you are comfortable and enjoy the time!
Best Puzzle Table
Folding
Two side panels and a magnetic bar to hold up your box!
Best Puzzle Table
with Drawers
4 colourful magnetic drawers.
Tiltable (5 angles)
Best Puzzle Table
with Wheels
Height adjustable.
Tiltable. Can straddle your armchair!
Best Puzzle
Board
Lightweight. Felt surface. Fold-out sides with covers.
Best Puzzle
Mat
The only option for puzzles up to 3000 pc. Cheapest option too.
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