Mattel goes shopping
And saves history.
Dateline: 04/22/99
Evelyn Burkhalter has long been the "unofficial" historian for Barbie® collectors. At her museum in Palo Alto, California, she displayed what was the most complete collection known outside Mattel's own archives.
Until yesterday.
Mattel bought Evelyn's entire collection. The whole thing, lock, stock and barrels of Barbies®. Mattel says that plans are underway for a new "Mattel museum", and this collection will go a long way towards completing it. In the meantime, the collection will be put into "the archives" at Mattel in El Segundo, meaning that it will be probably be stored away from public display until the new Mattel museum is completed.
Long a Mecca to collectors, The Barbie® Hall of Fame had a difficult time in the last few years. With the threat of eviction hanging over the museum, the Burkhalters fought to keep the doors open. A year later, they prevailed and the museum could legally remain until the end of it's lease, April 1999. Nearing the end of the lease, Evelyn was still searching for a buyer for the entire collection; Mattel stepped in and paid the price; undisclosed, but speculation puts the price between one-quarter and 2.5 million dollars.
A minor controversy does surround the sale of the museum; over the years, many collectors had generously donated items to the museum. Some feel strongly that the Burkhalters should not have profited from the sale; that the Burkhalters should have donated the collection to Mattel for preservation. Others believe that the Burkhalters should be entitled to the proceeds of the sale; that they amassed the collection, cared for it, and helped promote collecting, therefore they should be rewarded.
Regardless of this controversy, this is very clear: The collection will survive intact, and will be well-maintained. It will continue to grow, and will continue to be a significant physical, visual representation of Barbie® history, and doll history. For that, a heartfelt "thank you" to Mattel.
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