Does Brick Me use genuine LEGO bricks?Updated 7 months ago
Not quite, our bricks are compatible with LEGO bricks, but we manufacture our own high-quality precision-made bricks because the available colour palette from the LEGO Group is simply not sufficient for the quality of brick mosaics we want to achieve. We developed a wide colour palette of 50 brick colours designed to make the best looking brick mosaics in the world! Additionally, if we used LEGO bricks our products would cost 2-3 times as much (the LEGO Group sell their bricks at a high margin).
Who Invented Stackable Bricks? You Might Be Surprised!
The Origins of Stackable Bricks
When you think of stackable, interlocking bricks, LEGO bricks probably comes to mind. Although the LEGO Group has become synonymous with these colourful bricks, the concept predates them. The foundation of this beloved toy was laid in 1932 by British toymaker Kiddicraft.
Kiddicraft's Pioneering Vision
Kiddicraft introduced the world to "Self-Locking Building Bricks," originally made of wood. Invented by Hilary Fisher Page, these bricks aimed to spark creativity and spatial thinking in children. They debuted at the 1947 Earl's Court Toy Fair and were hailed as the “Must Have Toy of the 1940s.”
How the LEGO Group built on Kiddicraft’s Ideas
The LEGO Group's founder Ole Kirk Christiansen discovered Kiddicraft's design while seeking an injection molding machine. Inspired, the LEGO Group created its version, the “Automatic Binding Bricks,” which evolved into the iconic LEGO bricks we know today. By 1958, the LEGO Group had perfected the stud-and-tube coupling system, revolutionizing playrooms worldwide.
The LEGO Group's Patent and Its Expiration
In 1958, the LEGO Group patented their unique design, securing their market dominance for decades. However, this patent expired in 1988, allowing other manufacturers to create similar interlocking bricks.
The Post-Patent Era: Other Brands Enter the Scene
After the LEGO Group's patent expired, brands like Mega Bloks and KRE-O began producing their own interlocking bricks. This competition brought innovation and diversity to the market, offering more choices for consumers at various price points.
Other Bricks: Not Fake, Just Different
It's important to recognize that bricks other than LEGO bricks are not fake; they are different brands offering unique experiences. Just as the LEGO Group built on Kiddicraft’s idea, other brands have expanded upon the the LEGO Group's concept to provide new creative opportunities.
For more information, visit the the LEGO Group's history page and the Hilary Page Toys website.