If you were unable to back the recent Kickstarter campaign for My Palitoy Story by Bob Brechin, then you have a limited window to pre-order the book for €70 by September 30th, 2023.
Researched and written by Bob Brechin and designed by Brian Hickey, this book provides a comprehensive insight into one of the most iconic toy manufacturers of the 20th Century, documenting its inception, rise to prominence and eventual dissolution.
Palitoy Limited, of Coalville, was part of the General Mills Toy Group from 1968 to 1985, and introduced such amazing toy brands as Action Man, Tiny Tears, Pippa, Parker Games, Mainline Railways, Star Wars toys – and many, many more. This fascinating story begins in 1919, shortly after the Great War, when a young man decided he wanted to exploit the burgeoning plastics industry by setting up his own company.
This book was written by someone who joined Palitoy the year after Action Man was launched in 1966 and who was part of the creative team that saw the brand receive the epitaph ‘Toy of the Decade’ in 1980. As well as being a highly visual experience with many photos to enjoy, the book will take its readers through the history of Palitoy as the 20th century unfolded socially, politically and industrially. An essential for those that love toys.
Author Bob Brechin is joined by award winning graphic designer and Total Action Force co-creator, Brian Hickey. This team will deliver a meticulously researched insight into the history of Palitoy and the British toy industry, presented in a beautiful 256 page hardbound coffee table book.
Bob Brechin, chief designer at Palitoy during its heyday, gives readers a unique ‘behind the scenes’ perspective into the leading toy brands of the 20th Century including Action Man, Star Wars, Tressy, Pippa, Action Force and many, many more.
Star Wars toys being assembled at the Palitoy Toy Factory, 1984.
Death Star playset photo courtesy Vectis Auctions Ltd.
Throughout its pages, Bob provides his first hand account of Palitoy’s rise to prominence and details how globalisation of the toy industry enacted sweeping changes that would transform the industry forever, leading to the demise of Palitoy and many of its contemporaries.
As well as featuring the toys, the book will tell the story of the people behind Palitoy, with first hand accounts from many of its staff collected by the author through personal interviews and research of contemporary publications.
Action Man display at the Palitoy Toy Factory, 1967.
Celebrating the creativity, ingenuity and vision of Palitoy’s team, this book will be a highly visual experience for its readers. This hardbound coffee table book will contain 256 full colour pages. It will be beautifully printed and bound, making it an essential addition to every toy collector’s library.
All pre-orders will ship immediately after the Kickstarter rewards have been fulfilled, with an estimated shipping date of April 2024 — happy hunting!
