Kurt Naef

Kurt Naef – founder of the company Naef 
May 4, 1926 – November 30, 2006

Kurt Naef devoted over 60 years of his life to the material wood. Firstly, as an apprenticed carpenter and later, as a designer of wooden toys, which made him famous all over the world. The road to success, however, was long and winding. He was guided by various coincidences, encounters and also changes. But what was the driving force behind him along this road?  

Kurt Naef was an exceptionally inquisitive, open and determined type of person. Regardless of the expense or risk involved, whatever he started was treated with care and perfected, and had to meet his high quality standards before leaving his hands. His natural way with people and ability to inspire them also helped him to build up his company and make it successful.
> > www.naefspiele.ch

The most important milestones in Kurt Naef’s life:

1926–1945
Childhood in Eptingen and apprenticeship as a carpenter in Olten

1951-1956
Diploma as interior architect at colleges in Basle and Amsterdam 

Marriage to Alice Dunkel and start of his own interior architecture, arts and craft company in Basle.

Enquiries from customers for more refined play objects, led to Kurt Naef producing these himself. >> Kauring (teething ring for babies), Naef Spiel (building brick game, basis is a diagonally incised cube)

1967
Opening of a modern factory in Zeiningen and production of play objects in wood, designed by Kurt Naef and other well-known designers. Development of important commercial relationships, especially with Japan, international success.

1988
Company is sold, second marriage to Lotti Engeler

1989
Opening of the toy shop Playon in Rheinfelden (is closed in 1998 for economic reasons)

1992
Retirement and move to France

2003
Return to Switzerland, to Zofingen where his wife’s family lives. Kurt Naef and Hans-Peter Engeler (Lotti’s son), who also moves to Zofingen, buy back the company Naef.

2006
Kurt Naef passes away November 30 in Zofingen.

Further information on Kurt Naef in “Der Spielzeugmacher” (The Toymaker) by Charles von Büren, published by Birkhäuser