In 1919, the Lenci factory was established. “Lenci” is thought to be an acronym from the Latin motto “Ludus Est Nobis Constanter Industria” (Play is our constant work), although some biographers state that it is also based on Helen’s German nickname “Helenchen”. Enrico Scavini had found a way to steam press his wife’s felt designs into metallic moulds, immortalising them, and at the same time creating a new idea for a business. The dolls were initially designed by Helen König in collaboration with masters Sandro and Emilio Vacchetti. The business quickly grew and gained nationwide success that then blossomed into international success as far-reaching as USA, Japan and Australia as well as Europe.
In 1929, ninety-five pieces of Lenci were shown at the Galleria Pesaro in Milan. This event drew the attention of critics, and by extension critical acclaim for the dolls and figurines. The dolls were primarily of young women, sometimes going about a normal day, other times nude and more provocative.
In 1944 a bomb landed on the factories warehouses, destroying much of the archives and storage. A kaleidoscope of problems the factory still managed to continue to operate. However, the ceramic production finally ceased in 1964 as the talented artists and designers was lacking under the new partnership
