G & J Lines

Was a company set up by the brothers George and Joseph Lines in 1850 to make wooden toys. George subsequently went into farming, but the company run by Joseph (Joe) became the largest rocking horse maker in Victorian England. Originally based around the King’s Cross area of London they were known for the highest quality of workmanship and carving. They went on to work from five different workshops across London.

After the First World War, Joe’s three sons formed ‘Lines Bros Ltd’ and at their height they owned 40 companies worldwide including toy brands Meccano, Hornby, Dinky and Tri-ang making them the world’s largest toy company. Unfortunately they ran into trouble in 1971 and the company was broken up and sold.