A couple of days ago, LEGO announced an interesting new product line called LEGO Originals. The first product in the series is a 5:1 upscaled wooden minifigure, which celebrates both the long history of LEGO minifigures as well as LEGO’s first wooden toys. Below is the press-release with all the details.

Launching with the #853967 LEGO Originals Wooden Minifigure, 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 on November 1st, at a unique LEGO Originals pop up store and gallery in Covent Garden, London where fans could 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 at the Online LEGO Shop from November 3rd to 7th, then globally from November 8th.

Founded in 1932 by master carpenter Ole Kirk Kristiansen, the first LEGO toys were handcrafted 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 LEGO Bedford fire truck 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 personalized 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 personalize 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 the #LEGOoriginals hastag.

“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.”

The pop up event in London showcased the LEGO Originals Wooden Minifigure, alongside unique and individual personalisation versions of the minifigure by LEGO designers. A limited number of the wooden minifigure was on sale, and each purchase came with an exclusive LEGO Originals piece of artwork only available from the event and via the LEGO VIP reward center.

The #853967 LEGO Originals Wooden Minifigure is available directly from LEGO. Prices are as follows. USA – 119.99 USD, Canada – 154.99 CAD, United Kingdom – 109.99 GBP, Germany – 119.99 EUR (other EU prices vary by country), Australia – 179.99 AUD. For more information and to make a purchase, visit the Online LEGO Shop.

It’s interesting to note that members of the LEGO fan community have been making – and even selling – wooden minifigures for quite some time now. I guess LEGO felt that there was enough interest to jump into the action themselves. Room Copenhagen has been a long-time partner of the LEGO Group, making the majority of official LEGO storage, sorting, and display solutions. Their quality, style, and colors perfectly match LEGO in every way.

It seems like LEGO intends to make LEGO Originals a whole product line, so I’m curious to see what else they will release in the collection. The iconic duck, and possibly the fire truck are likely candidates. And I’m also curious how the LEGO fan community will receive these niche products. Personally, I do like novelty items like LEGO key chains, flashlights, etc., but I prefer them to be made of the same type of plastic and in the same colors as standard LEGO elements. This allows them to easily blend in with LEGO creations, while also offering something unique.

What do you think? How do you like the idea of the LEGO Originals collection? And what do you think of the wooden minifig? Is this an item you would like to get? And what other products would you like to see in the LEGO Originals collection? Feel free to share your thoughts and discuss in the comment section below!

And you might also like to check out the following related posts:

• Collecting LEGO Gear, Gifts & Novelties
• New LEGO Desk Drawers, Magnets & More! (by Room Copenhagen)