Two weeks ago this sweet, little stroller designed by Kay Bojesen sold on eBay for $355 plus shipping. Forty-two years ago, you could get one in mint condition directly from Creative Playthings for $3.25. A 1964-65 catalog lists 11 other toys designed by Kay Bojesen, including the "world famous" monkey ($6.95, "cunning!") and a solid maple baby rattle ($1.75).
According to the CP catalog:
No craftsman has contributed more to setting high standards for the toy industry than has the late Kay Bojesen, of Copenhagen. An outstanding silversmith and wood turner, he began to make toys when Danish kindergarten teachers sought his help for imaginative and sturdy playthings. He used teak, beech, oak and maple to achieve the beautiful wood tones and grains which give his toys their special character, and great appeal for children, as well as adults. His wood monkey, elephant and bear have been imitated, but never rivalled! His brightly colored Danish guardsmen are classics, and the choice of discriminating collectors throughout the world.
Kay Bojesen (1886-1958) trained as a silversmith at Georg Jensen in 1906. A few years later, he would open his own shop. Although he never gave up working in metal, he started making toys for his son in the 1920s. In 1932, he publicly introduced building blocks, which were plain and simple and beautifully made. Soon after came the incredible "Manhattan" skyscraper building set (above). Then it was on; he cranked out animals (including my favorite, the "sea parrot") and human figures, amazing hand-turned bowls and platters, trains, cars and a farm set. The most famous of his toys, the teak monkey, was not made until 1951.
Danish super collectors have many more photos, colorways, odds and ends here and here. [pottery.dk, kayb.dk]
Previously: Sweet Kay Bojesen Rocking Horse, Spectacular Creative Playthings Wooden Family By Antonio Vitali.
I have an elephant and a bear by Bojesen from a trip my family took to Copenhagen around 1970.
Unfortunately, before we knew any better, the bear's arms came off we used very strong glue to reattach them. now they seem stuck for good. any idea if there's a toy restorer who could repair the damage?
Thank you very much,
Robert
I repair old wooden toys and make a line original design toy: www.nolinloi.com
It seem like the glue was a bit overkill! Do you have photo? What kind of glue did you use?