History of Crayola crayons

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Crayola Ad 1905

Munsell Crayons

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History of Crayola Crayons

The History of Crayola Crayons traces back to the early 20th century, marking the evolution of one of the most iconic brands in the world of art supplies. Crayola, a name synonymous with colorful, wax-based crayons, has become a staple in classrooms, homes, and art studios across the globe. This article delves into the origins, development, and significant milestones in the journey of Crayola crayons.

Origins[edit | edit source]

The story of Crayola begins in 1885, when cousins Edwin Binney and C. Harold Smith took over the Peekskill Chemical Company in New York, which produced industrial pigments and charcoal. Recognizing a need for safe, quality, and affordable wax coloring tools for children, Binney and Smith began experimenting with a new product. In 1903, they introduced the first box of Crayola crayons, which included eight colors: black, brown, blue, red, purple, orange, yellow, and green. The name "Crayola" was coined by Alice Binney, Edwin's wife, combining the French word "craie" (chalk) with "ola" (oleaginous or oily), reflecting the crayon's composition.

Expansion and Innovation[edit | edit source]

Over the years, Crayola expanded its color palette and introduced various crayon lines to cater to different age groups and uses. In 1958, the number of colors in a standard box increased to 64, introducing the built-in sharpener. The 1970s saw the introduction of Crayola markers, and the 1980s brought fabric crayons, further diversifying the brand's offerings.

Significant to Crayola's history was its commitment to non-toxic products. In 1934, Crayola became one of the first companies to ensure that all its products were non-toxic, making them safer for children.

Cultural Impact[edit | edit source]

Crayola crayons have had a profound impact on education and child development, promoting creativity and self-expression among children. The brand has become deeply ingrained in American culture and has been recognized by various awards and honors. Crayola's influence extends beyond the classroom, with its products being used by artists and designers to create works of art.

Milestones[edit | edit source]

- In 1998, Crayola introduced the "Crayola 100th Anniversary" 64-box, celebrating a century of color and creativity. - The "Crayon Color Retirement" in 2003 was a significant event, where fans voted to retire colors such as blizzard blue, magic mint, teal blue, and mulberry. New colors were introduced, reflecting changes in societal preferences and trends. - In 2017, Crayola announced the retirement of dandelion, a beloved yellow shade, to introduce a new blue crayon, symbolizing innovation and moving forward with the times.

Today[edit | edit source]

Today, Crayola offers more than just crayons, including a wide range of art materials like colored pencils, markers, paints, and modeling clay. The brand continues to innovate, introducing products that cater to the evolving needs of educators, parents, and children. Crayola's commitment to creativity, education, and sustainability remains at the heart of its mission, ensuring its place in the annals of art supply history for generations to come.

History of Crayola crayons Resources
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