Lyra
LYRA is one of the world's oldest brands in writing, painting and drawing, known for quality products for kindergarten, school and office, and part of the FILA Group.
Last updated September 16, 2026
Overview
LYRA is described by its official brand page as one of the world's oldest brands in the field of writing, painting and drawing, known for its quality products for kindergarten, school and office. The brand states it has been a legend since 1806 and continually expands its range of high-quality products, always using efficient and environmentally conscious methods. The official history page of Fila Deutschland states that the Johann-Froescheis Lyra Bleistift Fabrik GmbH & Co. KG, as it is called today, is Nuremberg's oldest pencil factory, founded in 1806 by pencil maker Johann Froescheis.
History
According to the official history page of Fila Deutschland, the cornerstone of the Johann-Froescheis Lyra Bleistift Fabrik GmbH & Co. KG, as it is called today and described as Nuremberg's oldest pencil factory, was laid in 1806 by pencil maker Johann Froescheis, who took over a craft business located in Nuremberg and began producing pencils there. The business was run for about 40 years within modest limits as a craft workshop. When Johann's son, Georg Andreas Froescheis, took over the operation in 1848, he introduced mass production of pencils. To meet increased demand, Lyra moved in 1860 to the Großweidenmühle, where machine-supported manufacturing began using water power. In 1868 the LYRA symbol was registered as a trademark, described as something unique for the industry at the time. The LYRA represents the musical instrument of classical antiquity with which artists accompanied their singing; it is not known today why this instrument was chosen, but it is presumed that the high quality of LYRA products was associated with the properties of the harp (a high-quality instrument). The year 1878 marked a significant turning point: Andreas Froescheis left the management of the factory and Karl Grasser took his place. With him began the actual upswing of the Lyra pencil factory. The practical experience of Friedrich Froescheis and the commercial talent of Karl Grasser led the Lyra pencil factory to new markets — travelers were sent out to study the business and needs of foreign countries and to establish new trade relations.
Products and positioning
Quality products for kindergarten, school and office, produced with efficient and environmentally conscious methods.
Product categories. Writing products · Painting products · Drawing products · Pencils
Sources
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