History of Plasticine in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 20, 2026

Plasticine is a pliable modelling material composed of calcium salts, petroleum jelly, and aliphatic acids. Initially a British brand name, the term has evolved into a generic descriptor for similar modeling compounds.

1900: Commercial production started

In 1900, commercial production of Plasticine began at a factory in Bathampton. The original Plasticine was grey, but four colors were produced for initial sales to the public.

1915: Patent for stronger formulation

In 1915, Harbutt patented a different formulation of Plasticine that included wool fibers. This stronger composition was intended for use in ear plugs and as a sterile dressing for wounds and burns.

1963: Factory destroyed by fire

In 1963, the original Plasticine factory was destroyed by fire and subsequently replaced by a modern building.

1979: Colorforms becomes major American licensee

In 1979, The Colorforms company became the major American licensee of Plasticine.

1983: Production moved to Thailand

In 1983, the Harbutt company relocated Plasticine production from Bathampton to Thailand.

1984: Colorforms license

By 1984, Colorforms was still the major American licensee of Plasticine.

1989: A Grand Day Out released

In 1989, Aardman Animations' Nick Park released 'A Grand Day Out', the first Wallace and Gromit short film, which used characters modelled in Plasticine.

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1993: The Wrong Trousers released

In 1993, Aardman Animations' Nick Park released 'The Wrong Trousers', the second Wallace and Gromit short film, which used characters modelled in Plasticine.

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1995: A Close Shave released

In 1995, Aardman Animations' Nick Park released 'A Close Shave', the third Wallace and Gromit short film, which used characters modelled in Plasticine.

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1998: Mattel Buys Bluebird

In 1998, Mattel bought Bluebird Toys plc, which had acquired Plasticine through its purchase of Peter Pan Playthings Ltd.

2005: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit released

In 2005, Aardman Animations released 'The Curse of the Were-Rabbit', a feature film using characters modeled in Plasticine.

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2005: Flair Leisure Relaunches Plasticine

In 2005, Flair Leisure licensed the Plasticine brand from Humbrol Ltd and relaunched Plasticine.

2008: A Matter of Loaf and Death released

In 2008, Aardman Animations' Nick Park released 'A Matter of Loaf and Death', the fourth Wallace and Gromit short film, which used characters modelled in Plasticine.

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2009: "Paradise in Plasticine" created

In 2009, James May, with the help of Chris Collins, Jane McAdam Freud, Julian Fullalove, and around 2,000 members of the public, created a show garden made entirely of Plasticine for the Chelsea Flower Show. The garden, called "Paradise in Plasticine", took 6 weeks and 2.6 tons of Plasticine in 24 colors to complete and won the Royal Horticultural Society's 'peoples choice' for best small garden.