The origins of crayons
Crayons have been a staple of childhood creativity for generations, but did you know they have a long and varied history. The first recorded use of wax crayons dates back to ancient Egypt, where they were used for art and writing. In the Middle Ages, wax was mixed with pigments to create crude versions of the crayons we know today. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that crayon production became more widespread and sophisticated.
The early days of crayon production
In 1828, the first paper-wrapped wax crayons were produced by Joseph Lemercier. These early crayons were not yet the bright and colorful versions we know today; they were used primarily for industrial purposes such as marking textiles. In the following decades, various inventors patented new methods for making crayons, often using paraffin wax and more vibrant pigments.
The rise of the modern crayon
In 1903, cousins Edwin Binney and C. Harold Smith founded the Crayola company, which would become synonymous with crayons. They developed a line of 8 crayon colors, which quickly expanded to include more hues and shades. Crayola also pioneered the use of marketing tactics such as giving away crayons to schools and creating catchy jingles to sell their products.
Crayon innovations and controversies
In the decades following Crayola’s success, other companies entered the crayon market and introduced new innovations. For example, in the 1950s, Dixon Ticonderoga debuted its Prang line of crayons, which used a unique blend of pigments to create a smoother and more vibrant coloring experience. However, crayons have also faced controversies over the years; in the 1990s, concerns over the use of asbestos as a binding agent led to recalls of certain brands of crayons.
Crayons in the digital age
As digital media has become more prominent, some have predicted that traditional toys and art supplies like crayons would become obsolete. However, crayons and other analog tools continue to be popular among children and adults alike. In fact, some artists have even incorporated crayons into their fine art pieces, showcasing the limitless potential of these humble coloring tools.
