LEGO's History 

"Only the best is good enough"

                          ~ Ole Kirk Kristiansen

LEGO is a name synonymous with creativity, play, and innovation, but its origin traces back to a small workshop in Billund, Denmark, in 1932. Founded by Ole Kirk Christiansen, a skilled carpenter, the company originally produced and sold wooden toys. Ole, facing the economic hardships of the Great Depression, pivoted from traditional carpentry to crafting durable and imaginative toys as a way to support his family. This decision laid the foundation for what would become one of the most beloved brands in the world. 

In its earliest days, LEGO was far from an overnight success. Ole’s small workshop produced a wide range of high-quality wooden toys. LEGO brand's name, coined in 1934, was derived from the Danish phrase '"leg godt," meaning "play well". The name is intended to reflect the company's mission to foster children's right to imaginative play. While the toys gained local popularity, the business faced significant challenges, including a devastating fire in 1942 that destroyed the workshop. Devasted, Ole still showed outstanding resilience and rebuilt and continued to grow, cementing the company’s commitment to bring joy to children.  

The turning point came in 1947 when LEGO became one of the first companies in Denmark to purchase a plastic injection molding machine, marking its transition to plastic toys. This investment led to the development of the precursor to the modern LEGO brick, called the "Automatic Binding Brick," in 1949. By 1958, Ole’s son, Godtfred Kirk Christiansen, had developed the modern LEGO brick design, featuring the stud-and-tube coupling system which allowed for greater stability and versatility. This innovation transformed LEGO into a global phenomenon, and it remains the foundation of all LEGO products today. 

The "10 LEGO characteristics" defined by Godtfred Kirk Christiansen in 1963: 

1. Unlimited play possibilities

2. For girls, for boys

3. Enthusiasm to all ages

4. Play all year round

5. Stimulating and harmonious play

6. Endless hours of play

7. Imagination, creativity, development

8. More LEGO, multiplied play value

9. Always topical

10. Safety and Quality

References:

LEGO® History | LEGO.com US