Lott's Bricks

Lott’s Bricks, made in UK in 1918. Museum No. B.32:1-2004. (click image for larger version)

At the beginning of the 20th century the toy industry was based predominantly in Germany. However, during the First World War imports from Germany were banned. The British government encouraged the toy industry at home to make the toys that were missed. This not only helped the economy, it also provided jobs for ex-servicemen.

The most well-known German manufacturer of construction toys at that time was Richter, who made Anker blocks at their factory in Rudolstadt. The English manufacturer E. A. Lott devised a new system of bricks suitable for assembling small buildings, and manufactured them in Watford. He was advised by the architect Arnold Mitchell on how to cut the bricks into shapes that could be used to make all kinds of buildings, from cottages to cathedrals. Together with a cardboard roof and instructions he started selling them as Lott's Bricks in 1918.

Lott's success was assured when Queen Mary bought a set from him at the British Industries Fair in 1918. Lott produced a number of sets, each with its own series such as  Modern, Lodomo and Tudor. The bricks were the last of the old fashioned composition blocks which were to be superseded by the very different styles exemplified by Minibrix, Bayko and Lego.  Lotts Brick's Limited ceased to exist in the 1960s.