The legend of the first model builder extraordinaire

Written by Mads Klougart Jakobsen.

Meet the first 3D model builder before that even existed: Dagny Holm had a superb ability to bring the LEGO® brick to life through amazing large-scale LEGO models. She is responsible for many of the amazing models you can still see in LEGOLAND® Billund today.

Her path towards becoming the first model builder extraordinaire began back in the 1930’s when a young Dagny, the niece of the LEGO Group founder, Ole Kirk Kristiansen, worked for her uncle for three months. During this period, she designed several items – all made in wood.

25 years later, Dagny – now a classically trained sculptor – returned to the toy factory in Billund to design LEGO toys. The company had changed radically since her first stint. The most important single factor was that the basic raw material, wood, had been replaced by plastic. And, the LEGO brick had become the company’s core business.

Creative, curious and adaptable
Dagny, creative, curious and adaptable, soon realised the potential and possibilities the new, colourful plastic bricks possessed – not only as toys for kids but also as impressive display models.

In 1963, as early plans were made for the design of LEGOLAND Park in Billund, there was no question about who would be given the overall responsibility for the creative work on the park.

As the first models came to life it was obvious that this was a very wise decision. With their oversized elegance, the models left everyone in awe – still do to this day. Her work for LEGOLAND includes urban settings, castles, animals and various fictional characters – all with a touch of humour, lots of innovation, and obvious craftsmanship – cornerstones of the LEGO brand.

Massive legacy
In 1967, she was asked to build a LEGO train for Tivoli in central Copenhagen. It carries visitors on a tour of the gardens. Later that same year it featured in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. When LEGOLAND opened the following year, the popular train got its own set of tracks – and to this day, it continues to transport thousands of visitors through the park every year.

Dagny and her work leave behind a massive legacy. Her creative passion has brought a wonderful collection of LEGO models to life. Models which have later inspired thousands of LEGO builders throughout the world. She was the LEGO Group’s chief designer until 1986, when she retired at the age of 70. She passed away on March 1, 2004 at the age of 87.