45936 MOC Must Toys Book6 12/1/05 7:52 Am Page 32
45936 MOC Must Toys Book6 12/1/05 7:52 am Page 32 1980s Consumer research was very much part of the production process in the US since the 1960s. In Britain, little consumer research had been done before the 1980s and little design input went into good advertising. In fact pre-war advertising as evidenced by the catalogues of Lines Bros. and Kiddicraft was far more eye catching. Combined with the difficulties thrown up by the current economic climate; increased imports, the rising cost of raw materials, increased labour costs and removal of fixed prices, it was inevitable that even large businesses could not guarantee long term security and survival. Desperate measures were tried by some, but by the beginning of the 1980s over sixteen British companies had collapsed including some of the major players; Lesney, Mettoy, Berwick Timpo and Airfix. Eventually these were to be absorbed by other companies in the US and the Far East, as well as in Britain. However, many major British companies managed to survive including some venerable examples, such as Britains, Spears, Hornby, Waddingtons, Galt and Cassidy Brothers. Torquil Norman started Bluebird Toys in 1983, his first product being the now famous Big Yellow Teapot House. This was one of the first ‘container’ houses which broke away from the traditional architectural style of dolls’ houses in favour of this light and colourful family home. He is also famous for his Big Red Fun Bus and Big Jumbo Fun 30 45936 MOC Must Toys Book6 12/1/05 7:52 am Page 33 Plane, Polly Pocket and the Then there were Mighty Max range, as fantasy toys which well as the invention took off in the of the plastic lunch 1980s with cute, box.
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