About Helix
Helix Oxford is a British stationery icon, famous for mathematical instruments that have equipped generations of school children since 1887. Originally established as The Universal Woodworking Company in Lye, Dudley, the company earned the title "King of Compasses" after patenting the drawing compass in 1894 and launching the Helix brand. The Helix Oxford brand was introduced in 1935, building on the company's first mathematical set created in 1912. The iconic Oxford Set of Mathematical Instruments features a metal tin embossed with a drawing of Balliol College, containing set squares, a 180° protractor, 15cm ruler, metal compass, pencil, sharpener, and eraser. Over 100 million of these sets have been sold, making it the world's best-selling maths set. From its origins in the West Midlands, Helix has grown to export to over 100 countries with offices in Hong Kong and the US. The UK headquarters remain in Kingswinford, West Midlands, maintaining the brand's British heritage. In 2012, French stationery company Maped acquired Helix, forming Maped Helix and combining two powerhouses in the stationery industry. Today, Helix Oxford remains the brand leader in UK school geometry sets, trusted by students, parents, and teachers for quality mathematical instruments. The range extends beyond maths sets to include calculators, rulers, pens, and complete back-to-school stationery collections, all carrying the Oxford name that signifies precision and reliability.

