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On 15th May, Gibsons turns a whopping 107 years old! Few companies can trace their history across two world wars and four generations Yet the essence of Gibsons has remained beautifully constant: a belief in bringing people together and creating joy.
This is the story of how our small family business sort out puzzling perfection.
A Beginning Rooted in Family
In 1919, as Britain emerged from the First World War, Harry Percy Gibson founded H.P. Gibson & Sons. It was a modest enterprise built on the simple joy of play.
For twenty years the business flourished. Then, as Europe once again darkened under the shadow of war, the Gibson family faced a devastating blow. During the Blitz, our company’s headquarters and manufacturing facilities were destroyed. Many businesses never recovered from such loss but the Gibsons story was never one of giving up.
By 1946, trading had resumed with a little help from our friends as the song goes.
In 1973, Harry Percy’s grandson Michael Gibson took the helm. The 1970s and 80s were a vibrant time for Gibsons, marked by the release of classic titles such as 221B Baker Street and Diplomacy.
But the company’s most defining launch was still to come.
The Puzzle That Changed Everything
In the mid‑1980s, Gibsons introduced its first range of jigsaw puzzles, featuring aerial photographs of Britain- we accept these weren’t the most beautiful puzzles ever produced! But what began as an experiment soon became what Gibsons would become known for.
By 2002, the now‑iconic Gibsons Blue Box puzzles arrived, instantly recognisable on shelves across the UK. By the 2010s, the collection had grown to more than 250 titles
Championing sustainability
Gibsons has always been a family business, but under the leadership of Kate Gibson, Harry Percy’s great‑granddaughter, it has also become a purpose‑driven one.
Kate has guided the company through a period of meaningful transformation, championing sustainability, inclusivity and social responsibility. These values are not marketing slogans; they are embedded in everything we do
Some of the most significant initiatives include:
- Launching special‑edition puzzles that donate profits to charities
- Localising manufacturing to reduce environmental impact
- Redesigning packaging to reduce materials and carbon footprint
These efforts culminated in us becoming a certified B Corp in November 2023 and in 2025 recipients of the King’s Award for Sustainable Enterprise.
Looking Back And Looking Forward
As Gibsons celebrates 107 years, it’s impossible not to feel a sense of wonder at the journey. From a small post‑war business to a modern B Corp our little family business has weathered storms, embraced change and stayed true to our values.
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