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 'extraordinary man,' with his son paying tribute in the House of Commons.

Conservative Member of Parliament Jesse Norman informed the House of Commons that his father brought 'incredible happiness to millions of young individuals globally.'

Mr. Norman also expressed his hope that his father's principles of optimism, innovation, and regard for others might motivate both Parliament and the nation during this period of 'challenge and standstill.'

Sir Torquil had a career in the military followed by a stint as an investment banker prior to venturing into the toy manufacturing sector, during which he founded Bluebird Toys.

Regarding business inquiries, Shadow Commons Leader Mr. Norman addressed Members of Parliament (MPs) saying: "Roughly 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 Seafire and Sea Fury aircraft during his national service with the Fleet Air Arm."

He developed Polly Pocket, a toy that delivered immense happiness to countless youngsters both at home and across the globe.

'He restored the Roundhouse in Chalk Farm,' London , not only as an outstanding performing arts center but also as a creative hub for young individuals where they can discover their path toward employment regardless of their background."

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 transitioned into the toy manufacturing business.

Starting from 1973, he served as the CEO of Berwick Tempo prior to establishing Bluebird Toys, the creators of products such as the Big Yellow Teapot House, the Big Red Fun Bus, and Polly Pocket.

In 1989, Polly Pocket was granted a license by Bluebird Toys, which has headquarters in Swindon. Following this, its popularity surged as it captivated children with its diverse designs and convenient size.

By 1994, approximately three-quarters of British girls had a Polly Pocket toy, with the brand selling over £100 million worth of these miniature products.

Polly Pocket dolls emerged as an essential part of childhood for kids in the '90s due to their compact size and varied designs following their initial launch in 1989.

When it was acquired by Mattel, the company behind Barbie dolls, in 1998, the toy expanded in dimensions, coinciding with the introduction of new detachable attire options.

The dolls initially retailed for approximately £10 when they first came out, however, prices have surged due to the high demand for collectible 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 often stressed 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 renovate it into a 1,700-seat performance venue, which was reopened a decade later.

In 2007, he relinquished his role as the chair of the Roundhouse Trust. That same year, he received knighthood for his contributions to the arts and to underprivileged youth.

Subsequently, the company established Global Vehicle Trust to facilitate accessible transportation solutions for remote regions in developing nations.

The MP for Hereford and South Herefordshire, while honoring his father, stated: "He possessed remarkable vigor along with extraordinary endurance and an unwavering commitment to the future; his principle was to reach the finish line."

Even into his eighties, he continued to build and establish a new venture aimed at developing affordable flatpack trucks. You might find this hard to believe, but these vehicles were designed for global distribution and sale in various markets, particularly those supporting local businesses and communities.

I believe everyone in the House might concur that at this challenging time marked by stagnation and global disputes, we require virtues such as innovation, aspiration, determination, mutual regard, and most importantly, an ability—not solely intellectual but also emotional and practical.

'I have strong feelings about this; our aim is to establish a specialized technical engineering university in Hereford. This institution is specifically designed to merge various facets of human character for improved employment opportunities and greater potential.'

I also believe this prompts an inquiry for both our House and Parliament. It pushes each one of us to pose pertinent questions and back enduring remedies, particularly when these queries and resolutions might not align with our ideological or political leanings.

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 issues, stating: "My father had numerous pieces of advice, one of which was that the key to success lies in taking big bites and chewing them thoroughly."

I believe we might be able to achieve this more effectively as a House and possibly as a nation.

The Deputy Speaker, Nusrat Ghani, extended her sympathies and 'thoughts and prayers' to Mr. Norman and his loved ones.

The Commons Leader Lucy Powell expressed her gratitude to Mr. Norman for honoring his father, noting regarding Sir Torquil, "Although I did not know him personally, from what you've shared about him today, it seems he was an extraordinary father to have."

'A person who created toys for children, yet also seems wise enough to offer invaluable guidance, and I believe each one of us here in the House can uphold these principles of optimism, innovation, and fortitude which they enthusiastically imparted upon us.'

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