Sub-series B: Manufacturing, 1958-2023
Scope and Contents
This sub-series contains material related to doll sculpting and factory production. Materials are comprised of correspondence, photographs, 35 mm slides, patent copies, handwritten notes, printed references, and audio/visual materials. The content includes information related to doll sculptors Martha Armstrong-Hand, Joyce Christopher, and Aldo Favilli.
Of interest, box 4 folder 7 contains information on United States patents: 12431, Barbie figurine; 3234689, doll construction for natural movements and positions; 689055, Barbie trademark registration; 3411235, Eyelash-simulating rooted fibre.
Also of interest in box 4 folders 8-9 are photographs showing the production process, including the Benefit Ball Barbie, at Chang An plant. According to slide description by TW Wong, MTHK had two manufacturing plants in China, the Chang An Plant and the Guan Yao Plant. Each plant employed around 2,500 workers and produced 400,000 Barbie dolls per week, plus Barbie fashions and some other products. Chang An Plant is located about one and a half hours away from the Hong Kong border.
Dates
- Creation: 1958-2023
Creator
- From the Collection: Mattel, Inc. (Organization)
Conditions Governing Access
Audiovisual and digital materials, including audio interviews and video footage, are restricted to on-site only access with required advanced notice for providing playback equipment.
Audio materials have been digitized by The Strong.
The remaining materials are open for use by staff of The Strong and users of its library and archives.
Partial Extent
From the Collection: 6.0 Linear Feet (9 archival boxes, 1 large AV box, 1 small AV box, 1 oversize box, 2 oversize folders)
Partial Extent
From the Collection: 13.7 Gigabytes
Language of Materials
From the Series: English
Repository Details
Part of the Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play at The Strong Repository
The Strong
One Manhattan Square
Rochester NY 14607 USA
585.263.2700
585.423.1886 (Fax)
library@museumofplay.org