“Hear lots of kute konversations!”
Liddle Kiddles was a line of dolls and accessories first introduced by Mattel in 1965. The line was created by Mattel founder Elliot Handler, with the miniature dolls designed so that children could see themselves in them. This was a distinct departure from Mattel’s Barbie fashion doll, introduced in 1959, which was a distinctly more sophisticated interpretation of a children’s doll.
The Liddle Kiddles Talking Townhouse expanded the doll line’s play patterns by providing children with a setting to create domestic stories and act out everyday scenarios.
INSIDE THE BOX
Two purchase options were available for the townhouse toy: 1) Talking Townhouse and 2) Talking Townhouse with a Slipsy Sliddle figure.
The moulded vinyl townhouse measured 12″ x 7.5″ x 10″ when closed. A handle made the toy portable. The exterior of the two-storey house was printed with a pink tiled roof, stone embellishments, windows, flower boxes, pets, and Liddle Kiddles characters gazing from within. A pull-string was embedded on the side of the house that, when pulled, activated a voice box, the same technology used in the Chatty Cathy dolls from 1960, repeating one of 10 phrases.
The townhouse folded open at the front to reveal an interior aesthetic typical of the era, complete with large patterns and bright colours. The first floor was designed as a living room with a fireplace, while the second floor held the bedroom. A hand crank operated the elevator, allowing dolls to travel between floors.
An outdoor scene was printed on the inside of the townhouse’s front panel. When opened, it expanded the property to include a stone pathway, gardens, and water features.
COLLECTOR CONSIDERATIONS
Although the original Liddle Kiddles collection was produced only until 1970, Mattel released many dolls, playsets, and accessories, including the Klub House, Kottage, Ranch House, Doll House, Pop-Up Boutique, Kase Set, paper dolls, and other items. The demise of the Liddle Kiddles line was hastened by the 1970 oil crisis, as escalating costs and supply constraints surrounding petroleum-based materials, including vinyl, placed increased pressure on production.
Despite the relatively short life of the line, collectors can find many Liddle Kiddles items on the secondary market. When evaluating a Talking Townhouse, collectors should examine the condition of the vinyl exterior, graphics, elevator mechanism, and pull-string voice box, as wear to these components can affect both appearance and functionality.
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