A Jig-saw Puzzle Cutter’s Journey
by Kay Curtis
Kay and Graham Curtis have always shared an interest in collecting antique jig-saw puzzles. Anyone who knows anything about collecting jig-saw puzzles knows how very often there are pieces missing and how dismaying it becomes to see that glaring empty space in an otherwise pristine image. We began to find ways to “fill” the spaces with missing pieces and we tried all sorts of things to make them acceptable in our own eyes. As Graham became fairly proficient in filling the spaces adequately, he began to wonder if he could simply cut whole new puzzles on wood such as they were found in England during his childhood.
Graham upon his arrival in the US from the UK
In 1990 Graham took the first step and cut a little postcard with a hand held fret saw for Kay as a gift. It was hilarious! It was also obvious that there would be much more to this process than either of us ever imagined. After much research, Graham bought a good power scroll saw but his first efforts were ”nothing to write home to mother about”! There was so much more to acquiring this skill than was, at first sight, apparent. A generous old gentleman in Springfield Illinois encouraged him to come and observe his method of cutting and to use his saw. Pagey Elliot out in Massachusetts provided much insight and encouragement for his efforts and gradually, ever so gradually, puzzles began to appear that were more worthy of the name. The hurdles of finding the right saw, the right blades, the right adhesives, the right surface finish, the right prints, the right plywood, and the right “cutting rhythm” were conquered one by one. One day it became apparent that his puzzles were as much a piece of art in their own right as they were a craft. Eureka, Graham had acquired the hard earned title of a “puzzle cutter”…Isn’t that sort of like earning your wings as a pilot???
The images that appear on Graham’s puzzles are basically derived from the use of antique prints and he creates each as a complete unit with appropriate figurals. He does not sell commercially but derives his pleasure in the creation. Family, friends and favorite charities are the usual beneficiaries of his art.
Graham and his most ardent supporter, wife Kay
Priscilla, from a 1928 magazine cover has 322 pieces.
All figurals are located in identical positions both upside and downside but they will only fit one way.
Matadoress with dog, cut by Graham Curtis for a dog show to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association
Christmas puzzle, cut by Graham Curtis, 2011
1875 Milton Bradley train restored by creating new puzzle pieces when there was no copy of original image
Companions
Companions figurals
