The story of one of the world's most successful toy company began in 1916 when Danish master carpenter Ole Kirk Christianise bought a workshop in the little town of Billund and set up a business building houses and furniture. In 1932,with the worldwide Great Depression threatening to close his carpentry shop for good, Ole Kirk turned his skills to creating a range of toys for children. These beautifully-made and painted playthings included yo-yos,wooden blocks,pull-along animals, and vehicles of all kinds.