I have been enjoying the 3D jigsaw puzzles of London landmark buildings. To add to Big Ben and Tower Bridge I decided to add another to the collection with probably the most famous palace in the world, Buckingham Palace, the centrepiece of the UK’s constitutional monarchy.
Everybody knows Buckingham Palace; it has been home to the British monarchy since 1837. Originally built in 1702 as a large townhouse, it was acquired by King George III in 1761 and the next 75 years were spent making improvements and additions to it, getting bigger and bigger all the time before evolving into the magnificent palace that we know today. The building boasts imposing dimensions, concealing a 77,000m² interior behind the 108m long, 120m deep (including the central quadrangle) and 24m tall limestone façade. It truly is a magnificent building and a big tourist attraction in the heart of our capital city). The Palace has 775 rooms. These include 19 State rooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices and 78 bathrooms. And it is a regal delight as a 3D jigsaw puzzle (although the 3D jigsaw is only of the front of the palace, not the quadrangle).
The Ravensburger Buckingham Palace 3D Jigsaw Puzzle has 216 pieces. And like the royal family it is complex, full of history, and scrutinized by everyone who lays eyes on it.
There are two ways to assemble this challenge and it all depends on how much of a challenge you like. Go down the challenging route and do it by eye using the box image as your guide, just like you would with a regular jigsaw; sorting, finding and trying different pieces until you find the correct piece that fits. Or take the simpler route and follow the numbers; the pieces are all numbered on the reverse enabling you to assemble it in numeric fashion. Whichever way you choose to complete this fantastic building, you will end up with a great looking model of Buckingham Palace that you can put on display. And it all just clicks together; no glue, screws, nails, rubber bands, clips or sticky tape are required to hold the structure together!
I choose to do this puzzling the old fashioned way which is more challenging than a walk through Hyde Park. The pieces are as varied as the British weather, and putting them together requires the patience of a saint – or at least someone who has queued for the Changing of the Guard.
Whilst only having 216 pieces it isn’t a massive puzzle to complete and when fully assembled measures 38.1×12.3×10.9cm. Without using the numbering system it takes a couple of hours to complete (and it is only right that you stop to make a few cups of tea along the way).
Overall, it is an excellent puzzle. The easyclick pieces are plastic and are tough and durable. It is more of a challenge to do without using the numbers, but not too difficult, the numbering system removes any real challenge and would be better for children. The completed puzzle is very sturdy, good quality, looks good and the attention to detail (including the Beefeaters and the Union Jack flying above the palace) is excellent. It looks great displayed on a shelf.
This is an excellent puzzle for jigsaw lovers or even model builders and is suitable for all ages from 10+. And it goes great with other London landmark buildings in the series (Big Ben and Tower Bridge).
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £39.99
For more information, visit www.ravensburger.co.uk. Available to buy from Amazon here.
