Marcel van Cleemput

Marcel van Cleemput (2 May 1926 – 15 March 2013) often known as Mr. Corgi was a French toy designer and author who worked mainly in England. He won the Toy of the Year award in 1965.

Marcel van Cleemput
Born(1926-05-26)26 May 1926
Died15 March 2013(2013-03-15) (aged 86)
NationalityFrench-British
Known forToy design & author
Spouse(s)Molly
ElectedToy of the year award 1965

Early life

In 1935, aged 9, he journeyed to England with his father, speaking only two words of English "yes" and "Christmas.[1] " He lived with his father in Yorkshire and attended Huddersfield Technical College from 1940, where he worked on aircraft design. In 1947, he served in the French Army, and attended officer training.[2]

Career

In 1954 he joined Mettoy and designed the first Corgi model, of a Ford Consul.[2] In 1956, he wowed the crowds at the British Industries Fair and continued to innovate technically.[3] Notable models of his include the "Chitty Chitty Bang car, the 1966 Barris TV Batmobile and the Aston Martin DB5".[4] He was with Corgi until it closed in 1984. His collection of prototypes and standard models was featured in two books that he published as well as for a while in a museum open to the public.[5]


Sources
  1. "Marcel van Cleemput". London: Telegraph. 16 April 2013. Retrieved 18 April 2013.
  2. Patrice Van Cleemput and Ginette Pilkington (4 April 2013). "Marcel Van Cleemput obituary | From". London: The Guardian. Retrieved 18 April 2013.
  3. "Toy story: whatever happened to the old favourites? - Business Analysis & Features - Business". London: The Independent. 2 May 2008. Retrieved 18 April 2013.
  4. http://www.autoweek.com/article/20130419/CARNEWS03/130419960
  5. "An Evening with Marcel R Van Cleemput - hobbyDB Blog". 10 March 2012. Retrieved 18 December 2018.


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