Legos are one of the oldest toys that are still popular and growing to this day. Founded under The Lego Group in Billund, Denmark, these building brick toys have inspired the creativity of countless people, from young toddlers to grown adults. The love of Legos has stimulated the huge franchise we know today: films, games, competitions, and amusement parks. Legos have been around for most people’s entire lives. So, when exactly were Legos made? Let’s explore the vast Lego history.
Foundation of LEGOs
The Lego Group, the founder of Legos, is based in Billund, Denmark. Ole Kirk Christiansen founded the company on August 10, 1932. The Lego Group’s motto in Danish is det bedste er ikke for godt. In English, this means “only the best is good enough.” 1932 was when Ole Kirk Christiansen began making wooden toys. However, it wasn’t until 1936 that Ole gave his company the LEGO name. The name comes from the Danish words “leg godt,” which means “play well.”
LEGO Innovation
In 1949, The Lego Group created the first plastic brick. It was called the Automatic Binding Brick. The toys were given an English name as a tribute to the Allied forces who liberated Europe and ended WWII in 1945. At this time, all of the company’s merchandise was still sold solely in Denmark.
In 1958, Legos saw a change for the better. Bricks at this time were hollow, reducing construction stability and allowing competitors to move in. Godtfred Kirk Christiansen, son of Ole Kirk Christiansen, discussed possible solutions with the head of the German sales office, Axel Thomsen. One of the solutions they discussed was the stud and tube principle, as we see Lego bricks today. This principle created clutch, which provided stability and endless combination possibilities. With the stud and tube principle, there are 915,103,765 different ways to combine six 2×4 bricks. With their ingenious design, they were quick to get a patent. On January 28, 1958, the Lego Group submitted their patent application for “a toy building element,” the Lego brick as we know it today was born.
A Toy Industry LEGO-cy
Since Lego’s inception in 1932, the toys have become a globally known and loved brand. They have building kits for various interests and ages. They have built a legacy of creativity and fun that is continuing to grow – one brick at a time.
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About the Author
Author: Chris Ingledue
Contact: email
Bio: I am the founder and owner of Wheeljack’s Lab pop Culture and Toy Shop. My vision has always been to reunite customers with their favorite childhood toys and pop culture, triggering fond memories, and reigniting their imaginations. Every day, I work in the “lab” where it’s Christmas 365 days a year. I scour the internet, like when we had the Sears Catalog of yesteryear, for the next great treasure. Then, I await the arrival of the postman as if he were Santa Claus himself and helping collectors worldwide with their versions of Christmas. Every day as a vintage toy buyer is an absolute joy!