Madame Alexander
Madame Alexander is a brand of American collectible dolls introduced in 1923.[1]
Madame Alexander is also 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.[2] She was also one of the early creators of 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. 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, introduced in 1953 which is still being made today, is considered collectible.
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.[2]
Alexandra Fairchild Ford is a line of 16" collectible fashion doll for adult collectors.[3]
As of 2009, Madame Alexander began creating dolls for Dollie & Me, which specializes in matching clothing for girls and dolls.
The Madame Alexander Doll Club is separate from The Alexander Doll Company, but the company supports club efforts by creating new limited edition dolls for club events. The club holds events and conventions all over the US. The club also publishes a quarterly magazine for members called The Review.
[edit] References
- ^ Madame Alexander Dolls – All About Madame Alexander Dolls. Collectdolls.about.com (2010-11-17). Retrieved on 2010-11-27.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Back To Basics Alexandra Fairchild Ford Doll – Review of Back to Basics Alexandra Fairchild Ford Doll. Collectdolls.about.com (2010-06-11). Retrieved on 2010-11-27.
[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
