Piecing Together the Past: Archive-Inspired Jigsaws Now Available at Local Libraries

A unique and engaging way to explore local history has arrived at local libraries in Denbighshire! Thanks to a Welsh Government funded initiative, library users can now enjoy solving jigsaw puzzles based on our collections. These new puzzles have been designed by the team at North East Wales Archives. They feature visual parts of our collection, including hand painted scenes and colourful heraldic shields.

Two designs are available in two different sizes. Each puzzle showcases a different piece of local history. The 48-piece design features a page from a book of seventeenth century heraldic shields called “The Painted Book” which is part of our largest estate collection held in Denbighshire. The image has been reproduced with kind permission of The Williams-Wynn Family. For the more avid puzzler, the 1000-piece design features historic views of Denbighshire including picturesque Llangollen and Rhyl’s Victorian promenade.

“Since we introduced our jigsaw library 3 years ago they have been really popular with our library readers. We’ve got a variety of jigsaws for adults which range from 35 to 1000 pieces. They are great for relaxation and relieving stress. They can also help with manual dexterity” said Deborah Owen, Principal Librarian for Denbighshire, “We are very excited to have worked with North East Wales Archives to add some locally inspired jigsaws to our collection”

The archive-inspired jigsaws are available to borrow from all eight branch libraries starting this month. Each puzzle is accompanied by a brief historical context to enhance the learning experience and encourage discussion. With sizes and difficulty levels varying, there is something for everyone—from beginners to puzzle enthusiasts.

To find your nearest library and opening hours visit their website at https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/leisure-and-tourism/libraries/your-local-library.aspx

Who will be the first to take on and finish the 1000-piece challenge?

The archive-inspired jigsaws are available to borrow at all eight branch libraries starting this month. With sizes and difficulty levels varying, there is something for everyone—from beginners to puzzle enthusiasts. We would like to see your finished jigsaws, please share them with us on our Instagram or Facebook pages, tag us in and use the hashtag #archivepuzzle