Licensing legend Kelvyn Gardner passes away
Tributes have been paid to Kelvyn Gardner, a much-loved figure in the licensing community, who sadly passed away unexpectedly yesterday.
Kelvyn’s career in licensing began back in 1979, when he marketed Disney products for an Italian publishing company. He went on to launch Merlin Publishing in 1989, and founded Asgard Media, a licensing consultancy, in 1998.
He was also head of LIMA UK – now Licensing International UK – for over 13 years, helping to support those looking to break into the licensing space as well as passionately celebrating the work of those already in it.
Kelvyn’s family have requested that no flowers are sent, but anyone who would like to get in touch can do so by writing to: Pendragon House, Wicken Rd, Deanshanger, Milton Keynes, MK19 6JR.
—-
To stay in the loop with the latest news, interviews and features from the world of toy and game design, sign up to our weekly newsletter here
More Recent Licensing
Products of Change launches as new membership hub to help drive sustainable change
“I am so thankful to everyone who has been a part of the Products of Change journey thus far and feel very positive about the long-term collective impact we really can all make together,” said Products of Change founder, Helena Mansell-Stopher.
Melissa & Doug to launch Paw Patrol and Blue’s Clues & You lines in 2021
Melissa & Doug has signed an exclusive licensing partnership with ViacomCBS Consumer Products to launch Paw Patrol and Blue’s Clues & You! toys in Fall 2021.
LEGO’s Sine Klitgaard Møller to speak on the importance of change in the toy space at Sustainability in Licensing Conference 2020
“Children are our role models in the LEGO Group and it is their planet we are using; we must protect their future,” said Møller.
MLGPC to identify toys for TV in new deal with the studio behind The Toys That Made Us
“We feel lucky to have the opportunity to work with Brian Volk Weiss and his incredible team at The Nacelle Company on helping to identify some classic toy lines for television, film and streamers,” said MLGPC founder and CEO Michael Goodman.
Sustainability in Licensing Conference expands to two days and will take place virtually
“The commitment we have engendered in SILC, as evidenced by the fabulous line-up of speakers and official supporters, highlights the collective drive for change on the sustainable front while also being aware of the commercial realities,” said SILC director Helena Mansell-Stopher.
LEGO Harry Potter and Wow! Stuff’s Invisibility Cloak triumph at Licensing Awards 2019
Elsewhere, Peppa Pig was named Best Pre-School Licensed Property while Harry Potter scooped Best Children’s or Tween Licensed Property.
Popular Articles
“It’s a game and soundtrack in one!”: Inventor Marcus Carleson and Jumbo’s Ferran Codina on the story behind Hitster
Fugglers creator Louise McGettrick on how an eBay listing for a bag of false teeth inspired her line of plush monsters
Hues and Cues inventor Scott Brady on creativity, limits and getting to market
John Bell – Director of Product Design and Development at Buffalo Games – on magic words and secret sauce
The life of The Game of Life
Upcoming Events
-
- 31st January 2025
- Spielwarenmesse, Nuremberg
International Game Inventors Convention
-
- 20th - 22nd May 2025
- Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas
Las Vegas Licensing Expo
-
- 24th - 26th June 2025
- Stamford Bridge Stadium, Chelsea, London
Play Creators Festival
-
- Tuesday, June 24th, 2025
- Stamford Bridge Stadium, Chelsea, London
Play Creators Awards
-
- Wednesday, June 25th, 2025
- Stamford Bridge Stadium, Chelsea, London
Play Creators Conference
-
- Thursday, June 26th, 2025
- Stamford Bridge Stadium, Chelsea, London
Mojo Pitch
-
- 7th - 9th October 2025
- Excel London
Brand Licensing Europe