Grandad's Workshop - My Favourite Jigsaw Puzzle
Grandad’s Workshop was painted by the late Michael Herring. I am so fortunate to have worked with him over 15 years ago. This is still my favourite jigsaw
I’m Geoff. I spent over twenty years developing jigsaw puzzles at Gibsons Games, eventually becoming their Product Development Director.
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Grandad's Workshop by Michael Herring - Gibsons 40 Piece Extra Large Jigsaw Puzzle My absolute favourite puzzle! It was such as pleasure working with the artist Michael Herring on this puzzle. I was so fortunate to see the painting in real life and all the wonderful personal memories he 'painted into' his puzzle.
The meaning of Nostalgia
Hovis, the ‘Good old days’. What is Nostalgia?
The Greek words “nostos” (return) and “algos” (pain) combined to make “nostalgia” in 1688. Surprisingly it was only since 2000 that nostalgia was seen as being much more positive – helped by the Greek – Constantine Sedikides:
“Connecting the past with the present, pointing optimistically to the future”.
“It is like creating an inexhaustible bank account which is there for you if you want to withdraw from it.”
“Nostalgia helps us remember that our lives can have meaning and value, helping us find the confidence and motivation to face the challenges of the future.” Professor Clay Routledge
“Most people have at least one nostalgic memory that they cherish and that they can use repeatedly.” Tim Wildschut
Grandad’s Workshop jigsaw puzzle
This is Grandad’s Workshop jigsaw puzzle by Michael Herring, made by Gibsons.
Some would call it organised chaos. Old tins of paint that were last used years ago, rusty tins of screws and nails, bottles of varnish, and pots of dried up putty are kept just in case. This Aladdin’s cave, with its own special smells, wood shavings and cobwebs is Grandad’s haven.
Did you spot … Michael’s Hairdryer
Did you spot the hairdryer? (use the magnifying glass above if not)
This is a painting by Michael of his own hairdryer.
One of many personal items, including the Doll’s House.
“I saw the picture and it brought back vivid memories of my late father.
He had a garage/workshop full of things that were included in the painting,
the radio, the Morphy Richards hairdryer, the workbench”
The Story behind Grandad’s Workshop jigsaw puzzle
It must have started in 2008, as I remember it took must have taken over a year for Michael Herring to paint.
I had a few enjoyable phone calls with Michael during that time – mainly Michael telling me it was nearly finished!
I was so fortunate to see the actual painting. The jigsaw
Sadly, this was the very last painting to be published as a Gibsons jigsaw
Grandad’s Workshop jigsaw puzzle reviews
“Every year it is tradition to buy my grandad a jigsaw for Christmas. It has started to become challenging as he must now have every single one. Until I came across this one on Amazon! Perfect! And what’s more grandad has a workshop just like this which I used to play in. The detail is amazing and I know it will be a challenge for him to complete so won’t finish it in a few days-a good sign of keeping him busy.”
“I saw the picture and it brought back vivid memories of my late father. He had a garage/workshop full of things that were included in the painting, the radio, the Morphy Richards hairdrier, the workbench, etc, etc. Most poignant of all, my Dad made me a dolls house and the furniture inside which I still have and treasure to this day. I appreciated reading the notes about the late artist too.
Thank you so much, this
“When I noticed this jigsaw
– I can’t wait to see Grandpa’s face when he unwraps his gift.”
So … My Favourite Jigsaw Puzzle for Grandad
In a recent poll, visiting Grandparents came third in people’s favourite childhood memories. Sometimes, though, Grandad may live just a little too far away, so what else can we do?
Does Grandad love talking about happy memories and want to keep his mind in top shape? If Grandad has ever built a doll’s house or had a garage or workshop, this jigsaw
You can buy Grandad’s Workshop jigsaw
If you liked this article, you may like my thoughts on the most interesting jigsaw puzzle for adults, my top ten Gibsons puzzles for 2023, and visits to a Jigsaw Festival!
I hope you enjoyed my very first article
It was an absolute honour for me to write about Grandad’s Workshop by the wonderful Michael Herring.
It holds a special place in my heart, as one of the jigsaw puzzles I helped to develop in my amazing 23 years at Gibsons.
