Introduction
Edwin Binney was a 20th century American entrepreneur who revolutionized the world of art with his invention of Crayola Crayons. He is considered to be one of the most influential inventors of the modern era and his invention has had a lasting impact on the art world. In this article, we will explore what Edwin Binney invented, and the impact of his invention.
Exploring Edwin Binney’s Invention of Crayola Crayons
In 1903, Edwin Binney and his business partner, C. Harold Smith, created the Binney & Smith Company, which would later become the Crayola brand. At the time, the company specialized in making dustless chalk and paint, but their biggest success came when they decided to focus on crayons. In 1903, they launched their first box of eight Crayola crayons, which were an instant hit with children and adults alike. The crayons quickly gained popularity and by 1905, the company was producing more than 200 different colors.
The invention of Crayola crayons completely changed the art world. Before their invention, only professional artists could afford to use oil paints or watercolors, but now children and adults alike could access affordable art supplies. This allowed people to express themselves creatively, regardless of their financial situation. The availability of Crayola crayons also made art more accessible to people who had never before been able to participate in visual arts. As one researcher noted, “Crayola crayons democratized art and made it available to all.”
A Brief History of Edwin Binney and His Invention
Edwin Binney was born in 1866 in New York City. After graduating from Harvard University, he began working for his father’s paint and varnish business. It was there that he met C. Harold Smith, who became his business partner. Together, they founded the Binney & Smith Company in 1903, which would eventually become Crayola.
Binney and Smith wanted to create an affordable art supply that would be accessible to everyone. After experimenting with various materials, they developed a formula for wax crayons that would be both vibrant and durable. They then set about creating a variety of colors, which they named after fruits, flowers, and other things in nature. In 1903, the first box of eight Crayola crayons was released, and it was an immediate success.
Uncovering the Origins of Edwin Binney’s Invention
Although the invention of Crayola crayons is widely attributed to Edwin Binney, it was actually the result of a collaborative effort between him and his business partner, C. Harold Smith. Together, they experimented with various materials to create a wax crayon that was both vibrant and durable. They also worked together to come up with the unique names for the colors, which was a key factor in their success.
The invention of Crayola crayons has had a profound impact on the art world. It has opened up the possibilities of creative expression to countless people, and has helped to make art more accessible to everyone. Today, the legacy of Edwin Binney and his invention lives on in the Crayola brand, which continues to produce vibrant and affordable art supplies.
Conclusion
Edwin Binney was a 20th century American inventor who revolutionized the art world with his invention of Crayola Crayons. His invention has had a lasting impact on the art world, making it more accessible to everyone. Although the invention of Crayola crayons was a collaborative effort between him and his business partner, C. Harold Smith, it was Binney who is credited with coming up with the unique names for the colors. Today, his legacy lives on in the Crayola brand, which continues to produce vibrant and affordable art supplies.
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