Bob Armstrong collects and restores old wood jigsaw puzzles. He is also an organizer, educator, and author of articles focused on puzzles. And, if that weren't enough, he is the owner of major website on puzzles--all as his "second career" in retirement. So, with that resume in mind, the following interview contains Bob's thoughts on about puzzles.
ephemera: I've been meaning to feature jigsaw puzzles for a long time, Bob. I'm glad I discovered your excellent website. How did you become interested in jigsaw puzzles ?
Armstrong: Back in the 1930/40s I grew up with two dozen wonderful wood puzzles, which our family worked. I was able to salvage these puzzles after my marriage in 1962--and along with puzzles we ordered from two New England cutters in the 1970s-- they became the source of much pleasure for our family. Finally, around 1990, when I realized I would be retiring within 5-10 years, I intensified my hobby--first, trying to cut new puzzles, then collecting and restoring old puzzles. And becoming part of--and major "player" in--the American jigsaw puzzle world.
ephemera: That's good, because we only talk to major players here, Bob. Tell me about the challenges or obstacles you encounter in the world of jigsaw puzzles?
Armstrong: Time constraints, always time. My life goes on with all its many demands, even though I may want to spend more time on my puzzle interest. Much of this is the result of others not placing as much importance on jigsaw puzzles as I do; hence, expect me to do all the other things I have always done.
ephemera: That's a major complaint of a lot of dedicated collectors. I've heard others express the same sentiment. What are your favorite items in your collection?
Armstrong: A couple of puzzles-- "The Arrival" and "Checkers"--I grew up with...nothing can replace those treasured memories from childhood. My greatest restoration challenge, "Gloria", which took me about 100 hours over one Christmas to restore, and with which, I developed a unique love/hate relationship. And recently, "Full of the Dickens"--one of the world's greatest puzzles--made and presented to me by my colleagues to honor my contributions to the jigsaw puzzle world. These, and 700 other quality puzzles, can be viewed at my website.
ephemera: Childhood memories are the driving-force behind so many collections. It's amazing the power it has on collectors. Someone ought to do study or write a book on that aspect of collecting. Anyway, what’s your advice for achieving success as a collector?
Armstrong: Become involved in every facet of the area of your collection; meet other collectors; join any organizations involved in your area; develop an extensive website about your collection; talk about and display your collection at every opportunity.
ephemera: What resources do you recommend for would-be puzzle collectors?
Armstrong: eBay is a huge new resource far exceeding the old collectible shows, local auctions, flea markets, etc. For tools, I focus on restoration, displays, writing articles, organizing meetings, and building my website.
ephemera: Sounds like the makings of a happy retirement, Bob. Thanks for sharing your jigsaw puzzles and your expertise on the subject.
Search Abebooks for the books listed in this interview.
I'm also a jigsaw puzzles fanatic :-)
have more than a few dozens of those old wooden puzzles... i recently started my own website for jigsaw puzzles where you can play online and you're invited to try it out http://www.jspuzzles.com (it's free, not commercial)
Posted by: Peter Berg | October 21, 2009 at 03:14 AM