Mid-Century Modern Netherlands Wood Blocks Construction Toy by Ko Verzuu for Ado, 1930s

Toy designed by Ko Verzuu, circa 1930. Manufactured by ADO in Netherlands. ADO Blokken, canvas bag with a set of wooden blocks / cubes to play. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Ko Verzuu (1901 – 1971) a former construction supervisor from Utrecht, led the ADO -Arbeid Door Onvolwaardigen- workshops. In addition, he designed the cars, building blocks, games and doll furniture, that were handmade by his team of patients. Verzuu tested the quality of his toys on his own children. He immersed himself in art and architecture, with which he developed a strong preference for abstract lines and bright colors found in the 1920s group, De Stijl. ADO toys, therefore, are curiously avant-garde, inspired by the great artists of the time. In 2012, they were on show as part of the ‘Century of the Child: Growing by Design, 1900-2000′ exhibition in MOMA, New York. The same year, the CODA museum in Aperldoorn, Netherlands.