Jigsaw fan? UK gallery shares digital puzzles of artworks in its collection

As people around the world continue to stay at home as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, many are turning to puzzles to pass the time. A gallery in England is taking part in this trend by sharing digital jigsaws of its collection for people to complete online.

The Cooper Gallery in Barnsley has created daily and weekly online challenges in which people race to solve the puzzles in the shortest possible time. The challenges are shared on social media, specifically Twitter and Instagram, using the hashtag #MuseumJigsaws.

The puzzles can be pieced together without signing up, but those who do, stand a chance of having their username listed in the top 10 ranking underneath each challenge.

Ranging in complexity, some jigsaws comprise 40 to 80 pieces. They have been drawn from gallery’s collection of 17th to 20th century paintings, which include works by JMW Turner. Of the 400 works in the gallery’s inventory, about 13 paintings have been transformed into jigsaws so far.

Located in South Yorkshire, the gallery and the building it is housed in have a long history. The structure was originally built in 1769, and was used as a school. After the school relocated, art collector Samuel Joshua Cooper bought the building and converted it to a gallery in 1914 to display his 200 paintings, which he purchased during travels around Europe.

Digital jigsaw of 'The Reception of Saint Bavo, the Patron Saint of Ghent' by the school of Peter Paul Rubens. Courtesy Cooper Gallery

During the Second World War, the gallery became an extension of the town’s hospital and was used as an outpatient clinic and rehabilitation ward, before returning to its role as an arts centre in 1977.

As the gallery continues to share its collection via digital puzzles, there are plans to host an online competition in May.

The Cooper Gallery Jigsaw Challenge can be found at cooper-gallery.com

Tailors and retailers miss out on back-to-school rush

Tailors and retailers across the city said it was an ominous start to what is usually a busy season for sales.
With many parents opting to continue home learning for their children, the usual rush to buy school uniforms was muted this year.
“So far we have taken about 70 to 80 orders for items like shirts and trousers,” said Vikram Attrai, manager at Stallion Bespoke Tailors in Dubai.
“Last year in the same period we had about 200 orders and lots of demand.
“We custom fit uniform pieces and use materials such as cotton, wool and cashmere.
“Depending on size, a white shirt with logo is priced at about Dh100 to Dh150 and shorts, trousers, skirts and dresses cost between Dh150 to Dh250 a piece.”

A spokesman for Threads, a uniform shop based in Times Square Centre Dubai, said customer footfall had slowed down dramatically over the past few months.

“Now parents have the option to keep children doing online learning they don’t need uniforms so it has quietened down.”

Timeline

1947
Ferrari’s road-car company is formed and its first badged car, the 125 S, rolls off the assembly line

1962
250 GTO is unveiled

1969
Fiat becomes a Ferrari shareholder, acquiring 50 per cent of the company

1972
The Fiorano circuit, Ferrari’s racetrack for development and testing, opens

1976
First automatic Ferrari, the 400 Automatic, is made

1987
F40 launched

1988
Enzo Ferrari dies; Fiat expands its stake in the company to 90 per cent

2002
The Enzo model is announced

2010
Ferrari World opens in Abu Dhabi

2011
First four-wheel drive Ferrari, the FF, is unveiled

2013
LaFerrari, the first Ferrari hybrid, arrives

2014
Fiat Chrysler announces the split of Ferrari from the parent company

2015
Ferrari launches on Wall Street

2017
812 Superfast unveiled; Ferrari celebrates its 70th anniversary

Groom and Two Brides

Director: Elie Semaan

Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla

Rating: 3/5

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The bio

Favourite book: Peter Rabbit. I used to read it to my three children and still read it myself. If I am feeling down it brings back good memories.

Best thing about your job: Getting to help people. My mum always told me never to pass up an opportunity to do a good deed.

Best part of life in the UAE: The weather. The constant sunshine is amazing and there is always something to do, you have so many options when it comes to how to spend your day.

Favourite holiday destination: Malaysia. I went there for my honeymoon and ended up volunteering to teach local children for a few hours each day. It is such a special place and I plan to retire there one day.