Who Really Invented Crayola Crayons in 1903?

Discover the fascinating tale of who truly created Crayola crayons in 1903

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Who Invented Crayola Crayons in 1903

A Brief History of Crayola Crayons

Crayola, the beloved brand of art supplies, is known worldwide for its iconic crayons which have a history dating back to the mid-1800s. The company behind the commercial success, Binney & Smith, began as a humble colorant manufacturing business. It was in 1885 that a young chemical engineer, Edwin Binney, joined his father in the company. Together, they started working on creating superior carbon black pigments to replace traditional lampblack. Soon, the company triumphed, and started manufacturing the pigments at large scale.

Later, Edwin and his cousin, C. Harold Smith, started experimenting with different wax-based binder substances to disperse the colorant pigment. They created a non-toxic, wax-based crayon which they called "Staonal Marking Crayons." The crayons were initially marketed to factories and industries for marking materials, but soon they realized that there was a market for a colorful and non-toxic crayon for children. This led to the birth of the brand that the world has come to love and cherish- Crayola.

Edwin Binney's Invention

Edwin Binney's contribution to the history of crayons did not stop at the invention of Staonal Marking Crayons. Building on the success of Staonal crayons, Edwin and Harold focused on creating a safe and affordable crayon that could be used by children for their art endeavors. In 1903, the company launched the first set of Crayola crayons, which featured eight colors in a box. The colors were red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, brown, and black.

The main advantage of Crayola crayons was not just the improved wax binder but the range of hues that children could avail themselves of. To maintain quality standards, the brand had rigorous testing processes that included making sure that each crayon could produce color for at least two miles of drawing. Initially, the crayons were sold for a nickel and became an instant sensation.

The Evolution of Crayola Crayons

Over the years, the brand has brought significant changes to its crayon collection. In the 1920s, the company added more colors to the range including pink, blue-green, and lavender, doubling the number of colors to 16. In the 1930s, Crayola introduced the first ever metallic and fluorescent colors. The 1940s saw the brand incorporate names, such as Maize, Burnt Sienna, and Alizarin Crimson, to identify its hues, which added a level of fun for elated kids.

As technology advanced, Crayola's packaging designs evolved too. To keep up with changing trends and customer needs, they introduced twistable and washable crayons and adjustable tips in the 1990s. In the 21st century, the brand partnered with celebrities and pop culture icons to release limited-edition collections. The iconic "No. 64" box of crayons introduced in the 1950s remains a top-seller with its wide range of 64 colors, including classics like Red, Yellow, and Blue, and newer favorites such as Wild Blue Yonder, Fuzzy Wuzzy, and Tickle Me Pink.

The "No. 64" box of crayons has become so iconic that it is permanently preserved at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. This shows the cultural significance of this beloved brand of crayons in America.

In conclusion, Crayola crayons have come a long way since their inception in 1903. Edwin Binney's invention of a wax-based and non-toxic crayon created a brand that revolutionized the world of art and crafts for children. The iconic brand continues to hold a special place in the hearts of children and adults alike, who have grown up with this vibrant set of art supplies.

Impact of Crayola Crayons on Art Education

Crayola crayons were first introduced in 1903, and they quickly became a revolutionary art supply that changed the way children and adults alike expressed themselves creatively. With their affordable price and range of colors, everyone could have access to crayons for endless hours of imaginative and colorful fun. However, the impact of Crayola crayons went much beyond fun and games.

Popularization of Crayon Art

Crayola crayons played a significant role in popularizing crayon art. Children who played with Crayola crayons at home also brought their favorite art supply to the classrooms, where art teachers encouraged their use as a tool for learning. The popularity of Crayola crayons led to the creation of art kits, including coloring books, which increased awareness of coloring as an art form. The rise in popularity of crayon art meant that schools and other organizations had to increase their investment in art education, giving more children the opportunity to explore their creative side.Crayola crayons not only allowed children to express themselves creatively but were also an ideal tool for teaching color theory. Children learned about the different hues, saturation, and shades, expanding their understanding of color. The ease of application, non-toxicity, and affordability of Crayola crayons joined the list of advantages for art teachers. With Crayola crayons, children could make mistakes without fear, experiment with color combinations, and learn to create different effects like shading and blending.

The Use of Crayola Crayons in Therapy

Crayons do playtime and fun but have also found another use within the realm of therapy. Counselors and therapists use crayons to help children and adults process their emotions, allowing them to communicate their thoughts and feelings in a safe space using crayons as their expression tool. The simplicity of crayons and color range is highly effective in releasing creativity and self-expression, whatever your age.There is a reason why we often ask children, “what color are you feeling today?” It helps to identify what’s behind their emotions and express them visually without the fear of being judged. Using crayons in therapy can help children process their feelings and promote a sense of calm. It can also lead to a renewed appreciation for the arts and even encourage individuals to pursue a career in it.

Crayola's Philanthropy in Art Education

Crayola has been at the forefront of promoting art education and creativity for over 50 years through philanthropic efforts. The Company has partnered with schools and organizations to provide art supplies and resources specifically to underserved communities. Through their ColorCycle program, Crayola has also aided in recycling markers as a way to promote a greener earth.Additionally, the company has developed a host of lesson plans for educators on how to incorporate art into different curriculums, which provides a broader range of uses for their materials.Overall, Crayola crayons have been a powerful tool, opening up avenues for creativity, expression, and education. It's no wonder we all have fond memories of coloring with crayons, and their impact in the world of art education will continue to influence generations.

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