Look into the minds of movers and shakers in the play industry – five questions, one fascinating person.
As co-president and founding partner of Wicked Cool Toys, Michael Rinzler has his finger on the pulse of the toy industry. Rinzler talks about the company’s upcoming Micro Machines launch and the opportunity facing entrepreneurs in the wake of the loss of Toys “R” Us.
Shannon Symonds curates the International Center for the History of Electronic Games at The Strong. Here, Symonds explains her enviable role at the Museum and sheds light on the changes the Center is undergoing as The Strong undertakes an ambitious expansion.
Bryan Stevens, Exhibitions Director at Petersen Automotive Museum, talks about the fantastical vehicles featured in the Museum’s Hollywood Dream Machines exhibit and explains why the vehicles are so compelling.
In Michelle Ann Abate’s latest book, Funny Girls: Guffaws, Guts, and Gender in Classic American Comics, she revisits comic book and strip titles from the early 20th century featuring young female protagonists. Abate talks with Toy Tales about the origins of these characters and why they are often overlooked in academia.
The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum recently acquired the Dan DeCarlo Collection, a group of works from the late Archie cartoonist. Kay Clopton, Mary P. Key Resident at University Libraries Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, describes the collection and explains DeCarlo’s contribution to Archie.
Urban Culture Auctions is pioneering a new style of auction. Wade Terwilliger, the company’s president, talks about the changing landscape of auctions and the memorable pieces that have come across his desk.
Tin Toy Works is a specialty toy- and model-train-preservation business based in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Owners, Barbara and Joe Freemen, talk about their path to making a business of repairing and preserving toys for an international network of museums, collectors, and dealers.
The Antique Toy Collectors of America (ATCA) has brought toy collectors together since 1965. ATCA president William Gallagher describes the mission of the organization and shares why he thinks preserving toy history remains important.
John O’Neil brings toy collectors, manufacturers, and pop culture enthusiasts together at the Pop Culture Hall of Fame. Here, he highlights the importance of community building and creating a hub where everyone can enjoy shared experiences.
The hobby of collecting grows exponentially year after year. With that growth, comes the importance of documenting collectibles as a way of preserving history. hobbyDB CEO Christian Braun talks about how his site takes on that task while also making the world of buying and selling collectibles easier for everyone.
Manga takes centre stage at an upcoming British Museum exhibit titled The Citi exhibition Manga マンガ. Nicole Rousmaniere, IFAC Handa Curator of Japanese Arts at the British Museum, explains the history of manga and its impact on modern-day culture.
Just 15 years old, Ethan Klein has already co-created an award-winning STEM-based learning toy for children. Klein talks about his own STEM experience and explains why winning a 2018 TAGIE award is so important.
KB Toys set the industry abuzz with news of its reinvention. Toy Tales talks with CEO Ellia Kassoff about the history of the beloved toy retailer and how he’s re-imagining the brand for today’s consumer.
Doctor Andrei Cimpian studies the effects of gender stereotypes on young children in his cognitive development lab at New York University. Here, he explains his work and expands on his contribution to Mattel’s Dream Gap Project.
Winnie-the-Pooh’s world comes to life at a new exhibit hosted by the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. Curator Meghan Melvin shares her thoughts about why Pooh’s world remains universally popular.
Chris Bensch is Chief Curator at The Strong in Rochester, New York. In this interview, he provides insight into the acquisition, conservation, and archival process, as well as sharing his advice for storing collectibles at home.
The Rube Goldberg exhibit at the National Museum of American Jewish History honours the life and work of cartoonist, sculptor, and inventor. The Museum’s chief curator, Josh Perelman, talks with Toy Tales about the exhibit and explains why Goldberg’s work remains relevant decades after the artist’s death.
The Strong in Rochester, New York announced an expansion in 2018. Its CEO and President, Steve Dubnik, talked to Toy Tales about the importance of play and the role of the Museum in its surrounding communities.