Introduction to our range of Indoor Games and Compendiums
This is our complete introduction to Traditional Games
Introduction
While JJ One (as the family refer to him) will always be recognized for his major contribution to chess, the subject of a subsequent chapter, the son was undoubtedly his father's equal in imagination, craftsmanship and enterprise.
Games compendium
For most of the 1800's Jaques were developing and introducing new indoor games, many of which, such as Hit-a-Pin Bagatelle, Happy Families and Shove Halfpenny, are still very popular today.
There are many others such as Squails, Ascot and Minoru which are no longer made but are in the process of being Re-introduced for families to play
John II's (John Jaques the second) originality and business acumen were rewarded with the Freedom of the City of London in 1869. This was richly deserved, for this same man who lightened long evenings with new and clever indoor pursuits also taught the world to play croquet
Inventing Snakes and Ladders
The game of snakes and ladders was played in ancient India by the name of Moksha Patamu. This game can date right back to the 16th century. John Jaques transformed the game and created the Board Game of Snakes and Ladders. This was launched in the 1890's to great success.
It has Recently been Relaunched. you can BUY a reproduction HERE
Introducing Happy Families
Tenniel's memorable drawings of Mr Bun the Baker, Mr Grits the Grocer and so on, are at the heart of children's enjoyment of Happy Families. It was John II's foresight to commission him at an early stage in his career. Tenniel would later become Sir John Tenniel as a result of a truly illustrious career as chief cartoonist of Punch. Tenniel, of course, also brought Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland so vividly to life.
In fact, Lewis Carroll's grandniece, Irene Dodgson, married the widowed John Jaques III, not only consolidating this literary connection, but furthering it with her own artistic contribution. Irene created four new characters for Jaques Happy Families.
Bagatelle games
At the Jaques family Company we have makers and craftsman currently manufacturing Four variations of This Fantastic game.
Jaques' Hit-a-Pin Bagatelle is handcrafted from hardwood, mahogany and brass to the same design as supplied to Queen Victoria.
We also make Trumps Bagatelle, a new larger bagatelle version of the original game based on the Victorian version of the game. The Trumps version includes cards and a double trump feature.
The Future of indoor Games...
Despite TV and video games, the appetite for craftsmen-made wooden family games of all types, grows apace. Sales of indoor Games continue to grow at Jaques as many more Indoor Games are added to the range.
