A Celebration of Lego Day

Tuesday 23rd January 2024 - Cara Bentham

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A Celebration of Lego Day

From its Danish origins to iconic sets and collector tips, this blog delves into LEGO's evolution and showcases unique auction finds.

Every year on January 28th, LEGO enthusiasts worldwide unite to celebrate LEGO Day, dedicated to the beloved blocks that have sparked creativity and imagination for generations. Let's explore the rich history, evolution, and fascinating world of LEGO. LEGO Day celebrations have become a global phenomenon, with events, contests, and exhibitions in various countries. LEGO enthusiasts gather to showcase their creations, share building techniques, and revel in the joy of constructing imaginative worlds. Online communities, forums, and social media platforms further connect LEGO fans, fostering a sense of camaraderie and inspiration.

The Birth of LEGO: A Timeless Tale

The LEGO Group, founded in 1932 by Ole Kirk Christiansen in Denmark, initially began as a small carpentry workshop. The name "LEGO" is derived from the Danish words "leg godt," meaning "play well." It wasn't until 1958 that the iconic interlocking bricks we know today were perfected, providing a foundation for limitless construction possibilities.

Evolution Over the Decades: From Simple Bricks to Complex Creations

LEGO sets have evolved significantly over the years. In the early days, sets were basic, allowing builders to use their imagination freely. In the 1960s and 1970s, LEGO introduced themed sets, such as the LEGO Town Plan, marking the beginning of a new era. Space-themed sets took off in the 1980s, along with the introduction of minifigures, adding a new dimension to imaginative play.

The 1990s saw LEGO embracing popular culture with sets based on movies, creating an immersive experience for fans. The 2000s witnessed collaborations with franchises like Star Wars, catapulting LEGO into the mainstream. As technology advanced, LEGO embraced robotics by introducing the Mindstorms series, allowing builders to create programmable robots.

Coveted LEGO Sets and Tips for Collectors

Coveted LEGO Sets and Tips for Collectors

LEGO is a much loved collector's item. Both vintage and limited edition sets hold significant value among enthusiasts. Classic builds like the LEGO Millennium Falcon or the Taj Mahal are highly sought after in the collector's market and are among the highest priced lots.

For collectors, preserving the value of LEGO sets involves meticulous care. Keeping sets in their original boxes, maintaining cleanliness, and storing them in a cool, dry place are essential. Limited edition and exclusive sets often appreciate in value, making them a wise investment for serious collectors so if you spot one for sale at auction, consider a bid. Complete sets with original instructions and boxes tend to fetch higher prices. Additionally, keeping an eye on LEGO's official announcements for upcoming releases or special editions can present opportunities for collectors to acquire exclusive sets.

If you're keen to get into LEGO collecting, understanding the market and doing thorough research is key. Identifying rare sets or those with unique minifigures can be a lucrative strategy. Networking with fellow collectors, participating in LEGO communities, and attending conventions can provide valuable insights and also provide you with some fun window shopping!

Lego at Auction

Whether you're an avid or aspiring LEGO collector looking for valuable and coveted sets or simply a LEGO enthusiast looking for bargain bricks, auctions are a fantastic place to buy all things LEGO. At EasyLiveAuction, we provide the benefit of being able to search for LEGO at upcoming auctions from many auctioneers. These LEGO items are coming up for sale soon:

Giant Job Lot of Lego Including 265 Minifigures

This giant job lot of LEGO goes up for sale on January 27th at Best Model Toys. It includes a staggering 265 minifigures and 31kg of LEGO, including bricks, part-built models and more. It has an estimate of £280 - £340.

 

Four LEGO Star Wars Sets

Another lot from Best Model Toys, these four LEGO Star Wars sets are expected to fetch £80 – £120. The lot includes 75078 Imperial Troop Transport, 75079 Shadow Troopers, 75089 Geonosis Troopers and 75091 Flash Speeder.

 

LEGO Trucks

These three scare LEGO No.657 box trucks go under the hammer on January 30th at Wallis and Wallis. Released in the 1960s, these trucks are all boxed and in mint, unused condition. They have an estimate of £100 - £130.

Original ‘Holy Grail’ LEGO Star Wars Set

If you’re a serious collector, you may be interested in this original ‘holy grail’ LEGO Star Wars set going up for sale at Auctioneum Ltd on January 31st. LEGO Star Wars Set No. 10123 Cloud City is 100% complete and rebagged in LEGO bag order with all original minifigures in excellent condition, instructions and good original box. It's estimated to fetch between £3000 - £5000.

Two Original LEGO Technic Sets

This lot of two original  goes up for sale on January 31st at Auctioneum Ltd. The lot includes 8835 Forklift and 8815 Speedway Bandit. The sets are rebagged with instructions and original boxes. With an estimate of £25 - £40, this lot is a great option for aspiring collectors.

 

Whether you're an avid collector, a casual builder, or someone rediscovering the joy of LEGO, January 28th is a day to commemorate the enduring legacy of these iconic building blocks. So, dust off those bricks, unleash your creativity and join the worldwide celebration of LEGO Day, where the possibilities are as endless as your imagination.