Established in 1973

Just Jigsaws Ltd. (formerly known as WJ & J Trowsdale) was established in 1973 by John and Jacqueline Trowsdale, who already had many years experience of making jigsaw puzzles. The company was originally based in Luton, Bedfordshire and moved to Alfreton, Derbyshire in 1989. It is today still run on the same principles as when formed in 1973, quality, service and value for money.

Keeping it in the Family

We are a small family company with experienced and long serving staff, many of whom have been here for over 25 years.. John and Jackies' son, Tony, joined in 1979 and their Grandson, John joined in 2014. Tony's wife, Vanessa, has worked in the factory since 1999.

Growing range of Educatinal Products

We have a large range of 280 products many of which are sets of 4,6 or 8 puzzles per set. All of our puzzles are designed to give children fun and education. They are designed from a child’s perspective, with their needs in mind. Our aim is that children Learn through Play.

Supplying Jigsaws across the Globe

We are the leading supplier in the UK to Education catalogues and make own brand products for some of our customers. We also export around 35% of our production to many countries including the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, France, Germany, Korea and Japan.

Staying true to Ourselves

We believe that we are the only company left in England specialising in making our own hand cut wooden jigsaws. Just Jigsaws are constantly searching for new ideas to make products for mainstream education, additional needs and retail. Our puzzles last for years and have been known to be passed to the next generation.

Unique Products. Consistent High Quality

Each puzzle is cut by hand and therefore is unique. Unlike other ways of manufacturing jigsaw puzzles our jigsaws are self correcting and can only fit one way. Children sometimes get frustrated when completing for example cardboard puzzles as the pieces fit but the picture does not match.

Breaking Records

In 1971 John Trowsdale took charge of making the largest puzzle in the world. He wanted as many people involved as possible so they could say they were part of that record. When finished the puzzle was 20’ 8” x 10’ 4” (approx. 6.3 m x 3.15 m) with a staggering 32,000 pieces all cut by hand.