Plasticine was invented by William Harbutt in about 1897. Harbutt was an artist and teacher and his invention was first used as a non-drying modelling clay by his students. He was a proponent of free expression in art and his vision was that Plasticine would enable children to be creative in their own way.

This set dates from before the First World War and is a rare survival. Because of its play use, complete sets are very rare and this example, although it has been used, retains many original features.