Some people will find it surprising to learn that on average, for each person on earth there are 62 LEGO bricks and it is estimated that this year more than four million children and adults will play with the bricks. But for some this may not be such a big surprise as the little coloured building block has been a firm favourite for years.
The Beginnings of the LEGO Brand
Lego originated in Denmark when Ole Kirk Christiansen, a master carpenter and joiner, began selling toys alongside stepladders and ironing boards in 1932. Two years later his business adopted the name LEGO meaning “play well” in Danish and unbeknown to him at the time: “I put together” in Latin.
Significant Developments in the History of LEGO
In 1958, the LEGO brick as it is known today was launched. The Brick featured its own interlocking system, encouraging children to create different structures using their imagination. LEGO for younger children aged between two and six followed in the form of LEGO DUPLO in the late 1960’s. The bricks were twice as big, allowing safe and easy play for the youngsters.
The Introduction of LEGOLAND Parks
The very first park turned out to be one of Denmark’s most popular tourist attractions when it opened in Billund in 1968. In 1996, LEGOLAND Windsor enjoyed similar success and was named the most popular new attraction in England. These two parks were followed by LEGOLAND California in the USA in 1999 and LEGOLAND Deutschland, Germany, in 2002. The LEGOLAND Discovery Centre’s in Berlin, Duisburg, both Germany, and Chicago, USA, all opened their doors to the public between 2007 and 2008.
The History of the LEGO Mini Figure
The first mini figures were created in 1974 and since then over four billion of them have been produced. The original figures were neither male of female and always wore a happy or neutral facial expression. Like the Simpsons, they were always yellow! In 1978, the first female figure appeared in the form of a nurse. The idea was that these mini men and women could adapt to whatever role the child wanted them to take on.
During the 1980’s evil and grumpy faces started to appear as the range of characters increased. In 2003, the LEGO man had a makeover and began to appear with various new skin tones and colours. By 2004 some had lost their yellow faces and started sporting different hairstyles which were printed onto their heads.
The World of LEGO Today
LEGO is just as popular today as it has been in the past and will keep creating new toys to inspire children and adults in more than 130 countries where it is currently sold.
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