LEGO's origin as a toy company began during a period of economic hardship, when its founder was inspired to create miniature versions of his products, leading him to produce toys intended for children.
The Humble Beginnings of a Toy Giant
The story of what would eventually become the LEGO Group started in 1934, in the carpentry workshop of Ole Kirk Christiansen, a Danish furniture maker. Initially focused on making wooden furniture and other household items, the business faced significant challenges during the global economic downturn of the time.
The Impact of the Great Depression
The Great Depression, which affected economies worldwide, put pressure on Christiansen's traditional furniture business. In response to the difficult economic climate, he began exploring new ways to keep his workshop afloat and find markets for his skills.
- Making Miniature Products: As a creative solution during these tough times, Christiansen started making miniature versions of his furniture products. These small, detailed models served perhaps as samples or simply as smaller, more affordable items to produce.
- Finding Inspiration: It was this act of creating miniatures that inspired him to produce toys. The intricate work and potential play value of these smaller items sparked the idea of shifting production towards items primarily intended for children.
This pivotal shift from furniture making to toy production laid the foundation for the company that would later develop the iconic interlocking plastic bricks known globally as LEGO. While the reference highlights the initial step towards making toys, the development of the specific LEGO building system happened later, building upon this early focus on toy creation inspired by miniatures.
This transition marked the crucial beginning of LEGO's journey as a company dedicated to making playthings, inherently positioning its products for children.
| Year | Founder | Initial Business | Economic Context | Inspiration for Toys | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1934 | Ole Kirk Christiansen | Furniture Making | Great Depression | Miniature Furniture | Started Producing Toys |
The decision to produce toys, born out of necessity and creative inspiration during the Great Depression, was the first major step in the invention and evolution of LEGO as a brand centered around children's play.
