In a small town in Denmark, a man named Kirk Christiansen had a dream that would bring joy and creativity to kids all around the world. Born on April 7, 1891, in Filskov, Denmark, Christiansen’s journey began with humble beginnings and a passion for woodworking.
Kirk Christiansen, the founder of Lego, grew up in a poor family. Despite facing challenges, he managed to get a basic high-school education. At the age of six, while working as a farmhand, Christiansen discovered his love for whittling wood during the two days a week he attended school.
In 1916, Christiansen settled in Billund and bought a carpentry shop, naming it Billund Woodworking and Carpentry Shop. Little did he know that this small workshop would lay the foundation for the incredible world of Lego.
However, Christiansen faced a significant setback when an unfortunate incident occurred. A fire, accidentally started by his children trying to light a hot glue machine, destroyed both the workshop and their family home. Undeterred, Kirk Christiansen decided to rebuild, expanding his business with a larger workshop and home.
As the 1930s rolled in, Denmark faced the harsh reality of the Great Depression. Christiansen’s business struggled due to the economic downturn, forcing him to lay off employees. In a remarkable turn of events, Christiansen decided to produce affordable wooden toys, steering his company towards a new direction.
The birth of Lego can be traced back to Christiansen’s resilience during tough times. In 1947, the Lego company became the first Danish toy manufacturer to purchase a plastic injection molding machine, marking a significant shift in the production of their iconic building blocks.
Did you know that Lego wasn’t the first to create plastic bricks? Lego was inspired by the Kiddicraft Self-Locking Bricks, showcasing how creativity can bloom through inspiration.
Tragedy struck in 1958 when Kirk Christiansen passed away at the age of 66. His son Godtfred took the reins, introducing the “System of Play,” the foundation for the modern Lego building toy.
Since the 1940s, Lego has delighted generations with sets spanning various themes. Classics like Lego City and Lego Technic continue to captivate young minds, while licensed themes from cartoons, films, and video games add an extra layer of excitement.
Today, Lego stands as one of the world’s top toy companies. In 2021, they continue to release new sets and are committed to becoming more environmentally friendly by using sustainable packaging materials by the end of 2025.
As we look back at the amazing journey of Lego, it’s clear that Kirk Christiansen’s vision has left an indelible mark on the world of play, proving that even small building blocks can create giant wonders. The legacy of Lego continues to inspire creativity and imagination in the hearts of children everywhere.
