Announcement LEGO® Originals Wooden Minifigure
Making its entrance for the first time in 1978, the LEGO® minifigure has become one of the biggest pop-cultural icons of modern times and continues to renew itself—this time paying homage to its heritage in a decorative wooden 5:1 upscaled version.
London, November 1st: Launching with the LEGO® Originals Wooden Minifigure 853967, the LEGO Group and design specialists Room Copenhagen are introducing a new range of products dedicated to fans who love a bit of LEGO nostalgia and playful interior design. The product was revealed today at a unique LEGO Originals Pop Up Store and Gallery in Covent Garden, London where fans can drop by for a chance to pick up this rare and limited-edition model before it goes on sale more widely to LEGO VIP-members on LEGO.com from November 3rd to 7th, then globally from November 8th.
Founded in 1932 by master carpenter Ole Kirk Kristiansen, the first LEGO toys were hand crafted from wood. His craftsmanship and attention to detail secured a high level of quality for the products, but when wood supplies became scarce in the aftermath of the second World War, Ole started supplementing his production with plastic toys and the rest is history…
Speaking in 1950, Ole Kirk Kristiansen said: “I have always been committed to making the nicest and most robust objects, and just like other carpenters I believe the best type of advertising is when the product promotes itself. Our purpose is to produce a really good, solid and finely crafted piece of work, and ensure LEGO products always be known for their exceptional quality".
Respecting our heritage as a producer of high-quality handmade wooden toys, this premium model is handcrafted from FSC-certified oak, with adjustable yellow plastic hands just like today’s LEGO minifigures. The model measures over 7" (20cm) tall, 4" (11cm) wide and 3,5" (9cm) deep. The last LEGO product to combine both wood and plastic was the 1130 Bedford firetruck 60 years ago in 1959.
This 5:1 upscaled version of the classic LEGO minifigure is presented in a premium gift box with a 28-page booklet featuring the history of the minifigure and the story behind the development of this wooden model. Also included are inspiring examples of how LEGO designers personalised their models, as well as inspiration for accessories fans can build using the included LEGO bricks. A number of LEGO designers have already given their take on how to personalise the model, and the results will be exhibited for a limited time at the LEGO Originals Pop Up Store and Gallery in London.
Since its arrival in 1978, there have been over 8,000 different minifigures launched, not to mention the many versions children have created themselves. This new edition is no exception. Owners are encouraged to unleash their creativity to decorate and customize the minifigure in unique ways, display with pride at home or the office and share their creations via social media using #LEGOOriginals.
"It has been a privilege for us to expand our collaboration with The LEGO Group and contribute to the world premiere of a new series of design classics," explains Jacob Eberhard, CEO of Room Copenhagen. "Going back to the roots of the company and helping to bring back some of the original LEGO toys in new creative ways is an exciting journey to be part of."
You may notice a few things about the LEGO® Wooden Minifigure:
- The only moveable parts on the LEGO® Wooden Minifigure are the hands. This was a conscious decision made by the product designer after exploring many iterations of the concept. The high tolerances we are able to achieve when making the LEGO System minifigure are not possible when working with wood, so to avoid a deterioration in the articulation of the wooden minifigure over time and to ensure the product adheres to our strict toy safety guidelines, the limbs and head were kept static. It was also important to the LEGO Group that the plastic hands work with the LEGO System in Play and therefore allows consumers to have fun building the new accessories shown in the leaflet.
- The LEGO System in Play holes under the feet are missing. This has been designed as a decorative model for which reason we have had to leave them out to ensure a steady foundation.
- The minifigure has plastic hands. Product quality and safety is our highest concern at the LEGO Group, and just as with any other LEGO product, it is absolutely crucial that the LEGO Originals Wooden Minifigure meets the strict toy safety requirements we operate with. Due to the thin and therefore weaker spots on the minifigure hands, only the plastic material used for classic minifigure hands ensures also kids can safely play with this model. Wooden hands would simply too easily break and splinter from being dropped, which we do not allow as part of our safety assessment. We also see the merge of wood and plastic as a celebration of our heritage, in fact it has been 60 years since we last launched a product featuring both of these materials—this was the 1130 Fire truck.
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