Witness

In 1956, one of the world’s most beloved children’s toys went on sale for the first time, but its origins were surprising.The modelling clay had started out as a household cleaning product. In the days when homes were heated by coal fires, it was used to clean soot and dirt from wallpaper.But its manufacturer ran into trouble as oil and gas heating became increasingly popular. Then Kay Zufall, whose brother-in-law owned the firm, had an idea.Her children enjoyed using the putty to make ornaments and jewellery so she suggested the company switch markets and give the clay a new name. Play-Doh was born.According to the current brand owners, more than three billion cans have been sold in 80 countries around the world. Peg Roberts, Kay’s daughter, tells Jane Wilkinson how her mother had the idea.Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes e