Do you love LEGO Minifigures but wish they were a lot bigger, expensive and mostly made of wood? Well LEGO has got just the product for you.
Introducing 853967 – LEGO® Originals Wooden Minifigure
This product is the first entry into a new LEGO Originals concept. Created in partnership between LEGO and Room Copenhagen the Wooden Minifigure is a 5:1 upscaled version of the mifigure we all know and love.
The Wooden Minifigure is made from FSC-certified oak, with adjustable yellow plastic hands. The model measures over 20cm tall, 11cm wide and 9cm deep.
Included with the minifigure is a 28 page booklet and a small collection of bricks.
At $179.99 Australian this is not a cheap product, which is kind of weird because LEGO is really promoting this as something that you can customise. If I’m paying $180 for a giant wooden minifigure I’m not going to risk stuffing it up by slipping with a paintbrush, are you?
If this is something that interests you then you will be able to pick one up from November 8th at LEGO.com
More images and press release below.
Igniting nostalgia and celebrating brand heritage – new LEGO® Originals™ series launches with a 5:1 upscaled wooden minifigure
Making its entrance for the first time in 1978, the LEGO® minifigure has become one of the biggest pop-cultural icons of modern times and continues to renew itself – this time paying homage to its heritage in a decorative wooden 5:1 upscaled version
London, November 1st: Launching with the LEGO® Originals Wooden Minifigure 853967, 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 today at a unique LEGO Originals Pop Up Store and Gallery in Covent Garden, London where fans can 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 on LEGO.com from November 3rd to 7th, then globally from November 8th.
Founded in 1932 by master carpenter Ole Kirk Kristiansen, the first LEGO toys were hand crafted 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 Bedford firetruck 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 personalised 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 personalise 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 #LEGOOriginals.
“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.”
I love that LEGO is trying to innovate but for me this misses the mark. If I were skilled enough to do the types of customisations pictured I would probably know someone who could, or be able to, create the basic minifigure shape myself – no need to spend $180 for it to be official ‘LEGO’.
I am with you on the customisation thing, and I get the hesitancy over price… but these look awesome. And while I always buy lego for my own enjoyment, not for collector value, my hunch is these will be worth a fortune in a few years.
50 aud is more realistic. No way would I pay 179aud. It may go to 200 aud in aftermarket? Cool concept but way overpriced.
Love the idea, but the price is way OTT. You can (even in this day and age) buy a lot of Lego for $180. I would need to be be far more artistically gifted than I am to risk “customising” this. I’m guessing most will stay MISB and sold on the aftermarket.