Ole Kirk Christiansen, Danish businessman, founded the Lego Group (d. 1958)

The story of one of the world's most beloved toy companies begins with a man of humble origins: Ole Kirk Christiansen. Born on 7 April 1891 in Filskov, Denmark, Ole was a skilled carpenter and joiner, a craft that would inadvertently lay the groundwork for a global phenomenon. His early life was marked by dedication to his trade, establishing a small woodworking shop in Billund, Denmark, a quiet rural town that would eventually become synonymous with his invention.

From Humble Beginnings to Creative Play

In 1932, a pivotal year amidst the global Great Depression, Ole Kirk Christiansen founded his own business. Initially, his workshop was a diversified enterprise, crafting everyday household items such as wooden ladders, ironing boards, and stools, essential wares for local communities. However, the economic hardships of the era meant a dwindling demand for large wooden furnishings. Resourceful and visionary, Christiansen began exploring new avenues, using scraps of wood from his larger projects to create miniature wooden toys. This decision, born out of necessity, slowly began to shift his business's focus. What started as a sideline quickly gained traction, revealing an unexpected market for durable, well-crafted wooden toys that sparked children's imaginations.

The Name That Defined a Vision

By 1934, Christiansen's business was increasingly dedicated to toy production. It was in this year that he bestowed upon his company the iconic name "Lego." This seemingly simple name is a contraction of the Danish phrase "leg godt," which translates to "play well." Unbeknownst to Ole at the time, the word "lego" also carries a significant meaning in Latin, where it means "I put together." This serendipitous dual meaning perfectly encapsulated the essence of the toys he was creating and the playful, constructive spirit he wished to foster. Beyond the name, Christiansen also articulated the foundational principles for his company: an unwavering commitment to quality, a dedication to fostering creativity, and the belief in the profound joy that comes from play.

A Leap into the Plastic Era

For years, Lego's reputation was built on its beautifully crafted wooden ducks, cars, and other figures. However, Ole Kirk Christiansen was a man who embraced innovation. In 1947, a monumental shift occurred when he acquired Denmark's very first plastic molding injection machine. This was a bold step, signaling a readiness to transition from traditional woodworking to the emerging world of plastic manufacturing. While initially met with skepticism by some, this investment proved to be prescient. After studying the design of a toy called "Kiddicraft Self-Locking Building Bricks" by British toymaker Hilary Fisher Page, Ole's company began producing its own version of plastic interlocking bricks. These early plastic bricks, though differing from the iconic design we know today, marked the crucial beginning of Lego's journey into modular, interconnected building systems.

A Legacy Carried Forward

Ole Kirk Christiansen’s remarkable journey as an entrepreneur, innovator, and visionary came to an end on 11 March 1958, when he passed away at the age of 66. His death marked the close of a pioneering chapter, but not the end of his company's story. The management and future direction of The Lego Group seamlessly transferred to his third son, Godtfred Kirk Christiansen. Godtfred, who had already been deeply involved in the business and shared his father’s passion for play, would go on to refine the plastic brick concept, developing the revolutionary "Lego System of Play" that cemented the company's global reputation and ensured its enduring legacy for generations to come. Ole's vision of inspiring creativity through play lived on, flourishing under the stewardship of his family.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ole Kirk Christiansen and LEGO

When was Ole Kirk Christiansen born and when did he pass away?
Ole Kirk Christiansen was born on 7 April 1891 and passed away on 11 March 1958.
What was Ole Kirk Christiansen's initial profession?
He was a Danish carpenter and joiner.
When did Ole Kirk Christiansen found The Lego Group?
He founded his woodworking business, which later became The Lego Group, in 1932.
What was the inspiration behind the name "Lego"?
The name "Lego" is a contraction of the Danish phrase "leg godt," meaning "play well." Coincidentally, in Latin, "lego" also means "I put together."
What were Lego's first products?
Initially, Ole Kirk Christiansen's workshop produced household items like ladders and ironing boards. As the business evolved, it focused on wooden toys, which were Lego's primary products before the introduction of plastic bricks.
When did Lego start producing plastic toys?
Lego acquired its first plastic molding injection machine in 1947 and began producing plastic toys, including early versions of interlocking bricks, shortly thereafter.
Who took over the company after Ole Kirk Christiansen's death?
Upon his passing in 1958, the management of The Lego Group transferred to his son, Godtfred Kirk Christiansen.