James Wright Silly Putty

Albert Nov 06, 2026
The Fascinating History Of Silly Putty

A General Electric engineer named James Wright is generally credited as the creator of Silly Putty, making the discovery of the substance in 1943 when he combined boric acid and silicone oil.(via)

Do you remember? “Silly Putty” was invented by James Wright by accident during World War 2. James was working for the U.S. War Production Board, trying to create “an inexpensive substitute for synthetic rubber” at the General Electric lab in Connecticut, U.S.A At home, it can be used to pick up dirt and lint. Silly Putty® in various strengths is used to help people build up hand muscles after injuries. Because Silly Putty® adheres well, it was also used by Apollo astronauts to hold tools i...

The Fascinating History Of Silly Putty
The Fascinating History Of Silly Putty

James Wright Silly Putty Inventor

James Wright

World War II Research Spawned Silly Putty! | Where's the Fun from? - YouTube

two hands are working on a piece of paper with newspaper clippings in the background
two hands are working on a piece of paper with newspaper clippings in the background
Silly Putty — From Eggs to Apollo 8
Silly Putty — From Eggs to Apollo 8

Creator Of Silly Putty

Though invented in 1943 by James Wright, Silly Putty was not a toy until Peter Hodgson packaged the goo in plastic eggs and sold them in 1950.

black and white photograph of a man with glasses looking at the camera while sitting in front of bookshelves
black and white photograph of a man with glasses looking at the camera while sitting in front of bookshelves
World War II Research Spawned Silly Putty! | Where's the Fun from?
World War II Research Spawned Silly Putty! | Where's the Fun from?

10 Famous Toys With Wildly Different Original Purposes - Credit for the invention of Silly Putty is disputed, claimed by two men who were working to create synthetic rubber to address this wartime shortage: Earl Warrick of Dow Corning and James Wright of General Electric.

Silly Putty On Amazon

silly putty

I still love Silly Putty...

15 Amazing Inventions Created Totally By Accident
15 Amazing Inventions Created Totally By Accident
a young boy sitting on the stairs with his hands in the air while holding onto a string
a young boy sitting on the stairs with his hands in the air while holding onto a string
10 Famous Toys With Wildly Different Original Purposes
10 Famous Toys With Wildly Different Original Purposes
How to Remove Silly Putty From Rubber
How to Remove Silly Putty From Rubber
an egg with cream in it sitting on a table next to a red plastic container
an egg with cream in it sitting on a table next to a red plastic container
an egg and some cream on a blue surface
an egg and some cream on a blue surface
a red plastic object sitting on top of a wooden table next to a blue and white sign
a red plastic object sitting on top of a wooden table next to a blue and white sign
Silly Putty | Up Close
Silly Putty | Up Close
the original gummy bears are red and yellow, with two cartoon characters on it
the original gummy bears are red and yellow, with two cartoon characters on it
Silly Putty was Invented by Accident
Silly Putty was Invented by Accident

in my stocking every Christmas

How a useless goo called Silly Putty shape-shifted into one of America’s classic toys.

Silly putty

SILLY PUTTY WAS INVENTED BY ACCIDENT


The Fascinating History Of Silly Putty two hands are working on a piece of paper with newspaper clippings in the background Silly Putty — From Eggs to Apollo 8 black and white photograph of a man with glasses looking at the camera while sitting in front of bookshelves World War II Research Spawned Silly Putty! | Where's the Fun from? 15 Amazing Inventions Created Totally By Accident