The first jigsaw puzzle was produced around 1760 by John Spilsbury, a London engraver and mapmaker. Spilsbury mounted one of his maps on a sheet of hardwood and cut around the borders of the countries using a fine-bladed marquetry saw as an aid in teaching British children their geography. Until about 1820, jigsaw puzzles remained educational tools. They illustrated bible, historic or moral topics. Later puzzles began to lighten up, illustrating fairy tales and nursery rhymes. see following
Production of jigsaw puzzles began in the United States in 1849 with a die-cut process. After the Civil War, production in the United States took off when three major producers entered the market: Milton Bradley, Parker Bros. and Selchow & Righter.
Made more intricate to appeal to adults cardboard puzzles were even used as premium to sell products like toothbrushes. They became extremely popular during the great depression as an inexpensive family activity. Today many people enjoy them and some view them as a harmless addiction.

In France, the Véra company has created puzzles since 1917 and was revived by Michèle Wilson and today’s owner Sophie Ollé-Laprune, both luminaries of the art puzzle genre. The company is now named Michèle Wilson Puzzle. It is the only remaining creator of art picture fretting along the color lines. The special shape of the pieces follows the contours of the subject; clouds like sky pieces or waves in the sea. The pleasure derived from a Michele Wilson’s jigsaw puzzle is multiple : the contact with the wood , the joy of re-discovering works of art and the circumvention of the tricks and traps set by the cutter.