What Is an Etch-A-Sketch?

Inventor

• Arthur Granjean invented the prototype of the toy, calling his version "L'Ecran Magique" ("The Magic Screen"). While showing it at the 1959 International Toy Exhibition in Nuremburg, Germany, representatives from the Ohio Art toy company acquired the rights to the toy.

Ohio Art

• The Ohio Art Company spent one year on research on the toy, resulting in a new design, patent and name. By Christmas of 1960, the newly redesigned Etch A Sketch became a sensation.

Features

• The red frame of the Etch A Sketch contains a glass screen with a coating on the inside of the glass and a drawing stylus. The coating consists of plastic beads and aluminum powder. The front of the red screen holds two knobs that cause the stylus to draw the powder along as the knobs are turned.

Types

• In addition to the original Etch A Sketch, new colors and designs exist, including those with sound. Some models can draw in circles and curlicues and allow for freestyle drawing with a separate stylus.

Fun Fact

• Ordinarily, drawings are erased by shaking the Etch A Sketch. However, some people drain the powder from the Etch A Sketch immediately after finishing the picture. Doing so results in the toy's inability to erase, keeping the drawing intact.