Young Curator alumni, Megan, chose this ‘Victory’ Plywood Jig-saw Puzzle depicting Cinderella’s coach made in England by G. J. Hayter & CO. The puzzle has 42 pieces and is targeted at ages 4-6.

Megan says, “I chose this item from the museum handling collection because I was reminiscing over my own childhood activities (while helping prepare resources for a children’s craft session on games) and reflected on jigsaw puzzles, which I still love to this day. It also made me consider the big technological change as I remember doing physical puzzles with my grandma when I was younger, and now when I visit her we do it together on her iPad. What I found exciting about this puzzle was how not all pieces are symmetrical and straight but have curves and different shapes. The most challenging Victory Puzzles were known for their unusual piece and outline shapes – named ‘Whimsies’ by them. “

Victory Jigsaw Puzzles was established in 1922. Founder, Gerald Hayter, started hand cutting wooden puzzles in his shed whilst working as a bank clerk. He chose the brand name, Victory, as a celebration to mark the end of the Great War.  The company grew rapidly during the 1930s and produced many scenes to celebrate royal occasions. During the coronavirus pandemic (where jigsaw puzzles grew in popularity) the brand was re-established by Andrew Knowles.

You can see this and many other interesting objects in Bishop’s Stortford Museum at South Mill Arts.