Lego apologises to Ai Weiwei after refusing to let artist use bricks in exhibition

Lego said the decision had been due to a misinterpretation of the company's policy on political neutrality

Chinese artist Ai Weiwei (Getty)

Lego has apologised to Ai Weiwei saying it made “mistake” in rejecting a bulk order of its bricks on behalf of the Chinese artist last year.

The Danish toy company’s vice-chairman, Kirk Kristiansen, told The Wall Street Journal the “internal” error had been made due to a misinterpretation of Lego’s policy on political neutrality.

In September, Lego refused to carry out an order for Mr Ai as his proposed use of the bricks was deemed to be too politically motivated.

Following the refusal, Mr Ai posted the company’s rejection letter on Instagram alongside a photo of a toilet filled with toy bricks. In the post he called Lego’s refusal to sell the bricks “an act of censorship and discrimination”.

Mr Ai, known for his criticism of the Chinese government, also accused Lego of not wanting to upset business interests in China.

The decision prompted a public backlash leading to supporters around the world offering to donate toy bricks to the leading contemporary artist.

Mr Ai set up “Lego collection” points in various cities and was inundated with the toy bricks. He later used the offered bricks in a series of art works commenting on freedom of speech and political art – key themes running through his work.

Mr Kristiansen said the decision to refuse the order had been made “very low in the organisation” and Logo’s board had not been involved at the time .

Donated Lego pieces lie on the front seat of a BMW car being used as a collection point for Lego donations for Chinese artist Ai Weiwei next to Martin-Gropius-Bau museum in Berlin (Getty)

Thomas Kristiansen, son and successor of Mr Kristiansen, said: “It is a typical example of what can go wrong in a big company.”

Weiwei told The Wall Street Journal he welcomed Lego’s U-turn, but said “they recognised it a bit too late”.

In January, Lego stopped asking customers buying in bulk what their intentions were with the bricks, instead asking buyers to make clear the group does not endorse works exhibited to the public.

At the time Mr Ai told the BBC Lego’s decision was a “small victory for freedom of speech”.