Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

'World's largest jigsaw' collapses into 40,000 pieces days before it was due to go on show at Sandringham

 

Matilda Battersby
Tuesday 30 April 2013 09:37 BST
Comments
The moment just before Dave Evan's 40 thousand piece Diamond Jubilee jigsaw collapsed
The moment just before Dave Evan's 40 thousand piece Diamond Jubilee jigsaw collapsed (@Dave & Margaret Evans)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A 40 thousand piece jigsaw commemorating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee crashed to the floor and broke leaving its assembler, who had spent more than 200 hours putting it together, heartbroken just days before it was due to go on display at Sandringham.

The jigsaw was put together by craftsman Dave Evans from Weymouth. He spent five weeks creating the 19.5ft by 8ft creation and believes it will enter the Guinness World records as the world’s largest jigsaw once it has been formally accredited.

Speaking to local press about the puzzle’s completion prior to its collapse from the wall of his studio, Mr Evans said: "I'm literally over the moon that I've finally reached the last piece. My fingers are sore, my eyes are tired but my heart is full of pride and I honestly couldn’t have done this without the backing of a superb team. I feel like I've reached my own moon landing and the eagle has landed.”

The jigsaw had been resting at an angle on a frame in his workshop and broke after falling onto the floor. Mr Evans now has less than a week to put it back together ready for it to be transported to Norfolk for display at the Queen’s Sandringham Estate.

The moment the jigsaw collapsed was caught on webcam. Watch (above).

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in