Expert

Beautifully cut puzzles in a very characteristic style, some clearly manufactured for Boots the Chemists, others showing as being manufactured by Robert Plumb, 10 years Manager and Jig-Saw Puzzle Expert to the Graphic Gallery, Strand, London. Based at 87, Kempe Road, Kensal Rise. LONDON. N.W.6.

It seems likely that those quoting Robert Plumb's involvement were the earlier, c1920s, whilst those sporting the "Boots" logo are of slightly later origin, probably 1930s.

I believe they were also commissioned to produce puzzles for promotional purposes, as well as possibly supplying bespoke jigsaws from customers own pictures for supply through some stationery/photographic stores.

It also appears that they were the producers of the Chandos puzzles for Frederick Warne who were, after all, primarily a publishing company. These puzzles were amongst the finest made in Britain, rivalling Tuck's in their quality with a superb, almost whimsical mixture of interlocking, as well as push-fit cutting style.

A look at the Peter Pan series album, includes both Boots and non-Boots varieties.

I am indebted to Jane Bennett who has kindly forwarded this image of her great grandfather Robert Plumb taken around 1905.