Welcome to the Jaques of London Press Office
Welcome to the Jaques of London Press Office
Products from this company are shipped to: United Kingdom and are located in: United Kingdom"
About
Jaques of London is a family business which has been passed down from father to son for 8 generations. As the oldest games company and sports manufacturer in the world, the Jaques name has a longstanding history in British family fun, having invented many well-known games, such as Croquet, Ping Pong, Snakes and Ladders, Ludo, Tiddledy Winks, The Staunton Chess Set, Happy Families, Snap, and many more.
Founded in 1795, they have been teaching the world to play for more than 225 years. Still family owned, they have a passion for making learning fun for all children and are firm believers in the Power of Play. Their extensive toy range celebrates Montessori play as a foundation for effective early learning. Jaques’ exclusive toy range has been designed by UK teachers to offer children a hands-on learning experience. The Jaques of London portfolio paves the way towards self-discovery and provides a platform to bring families together interactively.
Join in the fun at www.jaqueslondon.co.uk or connect on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
Press releases
14/02/23
Former CEO of Selfridges Pairs Up with Play Pioneers, Jaques of London
British legacy brand Jaques of London appoints Simon Forster as Chairman
Simon Forster, ex CEO Selfridges appointed Chairman to the Jaques of London board.
A self-described 227-year-old start up, Jaques of London are the oldest toys & games maker on the planet. The brand has revolutionised family entertainment for eight generations through inventive and distinctive wooden toys & games. Now, Jaques set their sights on taking the business to new heights with Simon on board.
Simon – an online retail heavyweight - was Senior VP General Merchandise Manager for TK Maxx, Digital Director of Debenhams, and CEO at Selfridges—voted the ‘World’s Best Department Store’ four times during his time there.
“We are delighted to welcome Simon Forster to the Jaques of London family. His unrivalled experience will be invaluable as we activate new opportunities for our fantastic business. Simon’s innovative approach to online retail and enhancing the consumer experience adds enormous depth of skill to our excellent leadership team.” Joe Jaques, Commercial Director of Jaques of London.
Charismatic entrepreneur, Simon Forster, voted one of the Top 10 Most Influential Retail Leaders in the UK, had this to say about the collaboration:
“I’m truly excited to join the Jaques Team. As a sustainable, values-driven business Jaques celebrates a remarkable heritage as the world’s oldest toy maker.
Jaques present a unique market proposition, and this is an exhilarating moment in Jaques’ extraordinary history. The brand’s heritage roots have laid grounding for an exceptional new phase of potential growth; an opportunity I am delighted to embark on alongside this adventurous and energetic team.”
Simon Forster, non-executive Chairman for Jaques of London.
The auspicious pairing between Simon and Jaques comes at an opportune time with a focus on fresh opportunities, Jaques of London seem set for another year of growth, in which they can celebrate the best of their heritage and re-frame their future with Simon firmly on their team.
13/04/22
Croquet Inventors Left Shocked with Obvious Bridgerton Mistake
Jaques of London, the world’s oldest toys and games maker in the world, Were Disappointed to See Such a Clear Misinterpretation in New Season of Bridgerton.
Responsible for popularising the game of croquet in UK in 1851, Joe Jaques (8th Generation Games Maker) was astonished to see what he can only describe as a vast misinterpretation of one of Britain’s most classic lawn games when viewing the newest season of Netflix’s hit period drama, Bridgerton.
Mr Jaques had this to say: “Pall Mall is meant to be played on a road, so it’s hardly the same game represented in the series. Croquet didn’t get a look in, but that’s definitely what they were playing.”
The Pall Mall scene of Bridgerton was undoubtedly a favourite scene among the viewers and the cast of the show, yet the Jaques family couldn’t help but feel disheartened with it all.
The Jaques of London CEO went on to say: “I’m just so disappointed that Netflix didn’t reach out and ask us about the history; we were in business in the time the show was set. We could have avoided this entire ordeal and would have happily worked together, but I can’t look past how that supposed Pall Mall is so obviously croquet. I mean, the iron hoops, coloured balls, the proper lawn – all signs point to croquet.”
Jaques of London were responsible for writing the original set of rules for croquet, and their hand carved sets are still recognised with global prestige. Croquet most notably saw Jaques of London become double award winners at the Great International Exhibition of the 1800’s.
However, not all hope is lost in regard to the Jaques’ enjoying Bridgerton:
“Overall, it’s a great show, and really takes you back to how times like that would have been. And I have to give props to Netflix for accurately portraying another of our inventions, Chess. For the time period, the chess board in the Bridgerton home was pretty spot on.”
