Madame Alexander
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Madame Alexander is the business name of Beatrice Alexander, who was born Bertha Alexander, later changed her name to Beatrice, married Philip Behrman and then started her doll business. She was an American entrepreneur who created the first "collectible" dolls based on a licensed character - Scarlett O'Hara from the book and movie Gone with the Wind.[1] She also is credited with making the first mass-produced dolls in honor of living people, with dolls of the famous Dionne quintuplets in 1936 and a set of 36 Queen Elizabeth II dolls to commemorate the 1953 coronation celebrations in Britain. This set is kept at the Brooklyn Children's Museum in NY. Most recently, in 2002 two Judy Garland portrait dolls were introduced. Other popular dolls have been 'Pussycat' a large baby doll dressed in fine coat and dress and a Mary, Queen of Scots Portrait Doll as well as Heidi, the characters from Little Women, and a series international dolls in native costumes. She has created many topical doll series. "The First Ladies of the United States" depicting each in her inaugural gown as well as "The Opera Series", "Fairy Tale Series" and many more. Her 8" Wendy doll, was introduced in 1953, and is still being made today, and is considered collectible. Vintage and new Madame Alexander Dolls may be viewed at the company's museum, The Heritage Gallery.
The Madame Alexander Doll Club publishes a 80 page slick quarterly magazine for members, called The Review. The club holds day, weekend, and annual events and conventions every year, for its members, all over the US. The Alexander Doll Company is based in NY, is entirely separate from the club, and supports club efforts by creating new limited edition dolls for the club events that are exclusive to club members only.
A December 2005 article in Forbes magazine analyzed the most popular American toys by decade, with help from the Toy Industry Association. The Madame Alexander collectible dolls led the list for the 1920-1929 decade, beating out even the yo-yo.[1]
[edit] References
- ^ a b "Most Popular Toys of the Last 100 Years: Madame Alexander Collectible Dolls". Forbes. http://www.forbes.com/2005/12/01/cx_lh_1202featlide_3.html. Retrieved 2009-12-24.
[edit] External links
- The Alexander Doll Company with The Heritage Gallery
- Madame Alexander Doll Club
- Brooklyn Children's Museum Online Collection search "exhibits" to see Madame Alexander Queen Elizabeth Coronation Dolls
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