THE founder of Polly Pocket has died aged 91.
Sir Torquil Norman, whose toy company was responsible for the iconic toy brand, has been described as "an extraordinary man".
Conservative MP Jesse Norman led tributes to his father as he spoke at business questions in the House of Commons.
Shadow Commons leader Mr Norman told MPs: "Almost exactly 24 hours ago, my father Torquil Norman died at the age of 91.
"He was an extraordinary man who flew Seafires and Sea Furies during his national service in the Fleet Air Arm.
"He created Polly Pocket, a toy which bought unbelievable joy to millions of young people around the House and around the world.
"And he rebuilt the Roundhouse in Chalk Farm in London, not just as an incredible performing arts centre but as a creative centre for young people and for them to find their way from whatever backgrounds into jobs."
Educated at Eton College, Harvard University and Trinity College, Cambridge, Sir Torquil then did National Service in the RAF.
After subsequently working as an investment banker in the US for over a decade he returned to the UK in the 1960s and entered the toy making industry.
Sir Torquil was CEO of Berwick Timpo from 1973 and then in 1980 founded Bluebird Toys, makers of Big Yellow Teapot House, the Big Red Fun Bus and Polly Pocket.
The latter doll range had been designed by Chris Wiggs in 1983 before Bluebird licensed the concept and they went on sale in 1989.
The original toys were plastic cases that opened to form a dollhouse or a playset with Polly figurines standing less than an inch tall.
Mattel took over distribution in the early 1990s, as part of an agreement with Bluebird, and went onto produce larger fashion dolls.
Both the toy line and company were fully acquired by Mattel in 1998, with the original Bluebird range now valuable collectables.
'IMPULSE BUY'
Meanwhile, in 1996 Sir Torquil bought the derelict Roundhouse arts venue in Chalk Farm, in north west London, for £3million "as an impulse buy" before raising £27million to restore it as a 1,700 performance space, re-opening in 2006.
The businessman stepped down as chairman of the Roundhouse Trust in 2007 and was knighted the same year for his "services to the arts and to disadvantaged young people".
Sir Torquil went on to found the Global Vehicle Trust to provide affordable transport for rural areas in developing countries.
He had married Lady Elizabeth Ann Montagu in 1961, and they went onto have five children, including politician Jesse and artist Amy Sharrocks.
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