The individual who established the toy company behind the Polly Pocket line has passed away at the age of 91.
Sir Torquil Norman has been referred to as an 'exceptional individual,' with his son paying homage in the House of Commons.
Conservative Member of Parliament Jesse Norman informed the House of Commons that his father brought 'immense happiness to countless young individuals globally.'
Mr. Norman also expressed his hope that his father's principles of optimism, inventiveness, and regard for others might motivate both Parliament and the nation during this period of 'challenge and standstill.'
Before venturing into the toy-making business where he founded Bluebird Toys, Sir Torquil had a distinguished career in the armed forces followed by a stint as an investment banker.
Regarding business inquiries, Shadow Commons Leader Mr. Norman addressed Members of Parliament saying, "Approximately 24 hours ago, my father, Torquil Norman, passed away at the age of 91. He was an exceptional individual who served as a pilot flying Seafires and Sea Furies during his national service with the Fleet Air Arm."
He developed Polly Pocket, a plaything that delivered immense delight to countless children both at home and across the globe.
'He restored the Roundhouse in Chalk Farm,' London , not merely as an outstanding venue for performing arts but as a creative hub for young individuals, enabling them to forge their paths regardless of their origins and enter the workforce."
Sir Torqui received his education from Eton College, Harvard University, and Trinity College, Cambridge, prior to undertaking national service with the Royal Air Force.
After spending more than ten years as an investment banker in the United States, he relocated to the UK during the 1960s. There, he shifted his career towards the toy manufacturing sector.
In 1973, he became the CEO of Berwick Tempo prior to establishing Bluebird Toys, which produced items such as the Big Yellow Teapot House, the Big Red Fun Bus, and Polly Pocket.
In 1989, Polly Pocket was granted licensing rights through Bluebird Toys, which had headquarters in Swindon. Following this, its fame rapidly grew as it captivated children with its varied designs and convenient size.
By 1994, approximately three-quarters of British girls had a Polly Pocket toy, with the company raking in sales exceeding £100 million for the tiny playsets.
Polly Pocket dolls turned into an essential part of childhood for kids in the '90s due to their compact design and varied aesthetics following their initial launch in 1989.
When it was acquired by Barbie’s producer, Mattel, in 1998, the doll quickly became larger—coinciding with the introduction of new options for detachable outfits.
The dolls initially retailed for approximately £10 when they first came out, however, prices have surged due to the high demand for collectible vintage toys that remain sealed.
Although vintage versions of the toys come with exorbitant price tags, it is actually the newer models that are commanding the highest prices on eBay.
Mr. Norman emphasized his father's principles and mentioned that his father consistently stated that the key to thriving in the toy industry was having "the mindset of a seven-year-old coupled with meticulous attention to detail."
In 1996, Sir Torquil purchased the dilapidated Roundhouse arts center for £3 million and subsequently secured £27 million to refurbish it into a 1,700-seat performance venue, which was reopened a decade later.
In 2007, he resigned from his position as the chair of the Roundhouse Trust. That same year, he received knighthood in recognition of his contributions to the arts and to underprivileged youth.
The company subsequently established Global Vehicle Trust, an initiative aimed at supplying cost-effective transportation solutions for remote regions in less developed nations.
While paying tribute to his father, The MP for Hereford and South Herefordshire added: 'Incredible energy but also amazing resilience and focus on the long-term; turn up at the finishing line was one of his maxims.
Even in his 80s, he was still establishing and innovating a new business to create affordable flatpack trucks, which could potentially be manufactured and marketed globally. This initiative aimed to support enterprises and communities in various countries.
I believe everyone in the House might concur that at this challenging time marked by stagnation and global disputes, we should uphold values such as innovation, determination, motivation, mutual respect, and most importantly, a capacity—going beyond mere intellectual engagement to also involve our actions and emotions.
'I have strong feelings about this; we’re working on establishing a new university in Hereford, specifically a specialized technical engineering institution designed to merge various facets of human character for improved employment opportunities and greater potential.'
I believe this statement prompts an inquiry for both our legislative body and parliament, urging everyone to pose pertinent questions and endorse sustainable measures, despite these queries and remedies possibly being outside our typical ideological or political inclinations.
In 1961, Sir Torquil wed Lady Elizabeth Ann Montagu, and they subsequently had five offspring, among them artist Amy Sharrocks and politician Mr. Norman.
Mr. Norman advocated for increased collaboration among various political parties regarding long-term concerns, further stating: "My father has numerous sayings, one of which is that the key to success lies in taking big bites and chewing them thoroughly."
'I believe we might be able to achieve that more effectively as a House and possibly as a nation.'"
The Deputy Speaker, Nusrat Ghani, extended her sympathies along with 'love and prayers' to Mr. Norman and his family.
The Commons Leader Lucy Powell expressed her gratitude to Mr. Norman for honoring his father, mentioning Sir Torquil with these words: "Although I never met him, from what you've shared about him today, it seems clear that having him as your father must be truly remarkable."
'A person who created toys for children, yet also embodies the essence of profound wisdom, offering invaluable guidance. I am confident that each one of us within this Chamber can uphold these principles of optimism, innovation, and fortitude which they passionately imparted upon us.'
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