When you find a doll that you really want, how much is too much to pay for it?  It turns out there is a lot that goes into the decision. On this episode of The Curious Collector, Stuart Holbrook explains the seven things that a collector needs to take into consideration when deciding just how much that doll is worth to them.  And on the flip side, Stuart talks about what happens when it's time to sell a collection and gives some valuable insight into what he looks for when evaluating a collection.  It turns out that there is quite a difference between the two.  It's an epsiode that has something for everyone, whether you are just starting your collection, looking for that 'holy grail' doll or considering letting your treasures move on to their next admiring owners. 

Keep up with Stuart at curiouscollect.com and check out Theriaults.com as well where you can learn more as to the exciting auctions held throughout the year at Theriault’s, the world’s leader in the auction of dolls and figurative art.

There are many reasons why collectors collect and probably among the top ones is that they see their collections as investments.  But is that really the case?  In this episode of The Curious Collector, Stuart Holbrook, President of Theriaults' Auctions, looks at the how collecting dolls in particular has changed over the years and reveals some startling trends.  And it's not just that collecting has changed; it turns out collectors have changed as well. Stuart talks about how just a few people can change the interest and value in a collectible and when they've gotten their fill and stop buying, that collectible might actually plummet in value. But as Stuart notes, the real key to collecting is the joy that the items you buy bring you and that can be worth much more than money.  

Keep up with Stuart at curiouscollect.com and check out Theriaults.com as well where you can learn more as to the exciting auctions held throughout the year at Theriault’s, the world’s leader in the auction of dolls and figurative art.

Hi, I’m Stuart Holbrook your host for The Curious Collector, a Podcast for Collectors and those who may be collector curious. As President of one of the world’s most unique auction houses, Theriault’s, I have spent my life amongst collectors around the world amidst every facet of their, well, what I like to call, collectorvolution. That is how these collectors started, evolved, and later sold their beloved items. I can share with you the lessons they and I have experienced along this journey through the past while also recognizing and responding to changing patterns happening now - and how new generations will embrace collecting for the future. While dolls, toys, teddy bears and figurative art form the core of my experience, collectors of anything and everything will find useful advice and discussions that will also help them in whichever category makes their heart sing. So sit back, have a listen, and enjoy every few weeks a new episode at The Curious Collector focusing on subjects that will make your collectorvolution even more fun and engaging over time.

Keep up with Stuart at curiouscollect.com and check out Theriaults.com as well where you can learn more as to the exciting auctions held throughout the year at Theriault’s, the world’s leader in the auction of dolls and figurative art.

In this episode of The Curious Collector, Theriault's President Stuart Holbrook shares his decades of experience traveling the world and how his passion for collecting and collectors creates meaningful experiences that transcend the guide book mentality of visiting destinations anywhere. He talks about how collecting and travel go hand in hand to form some of life’s richest experiences. From the collector of Lufthansa Rubber Ducks that once crossed the world and back for just one in 24 hours, to the enthusiast of French dolls who roams the streets of Paris with historic doll site addresses in hand - these adventures often form some of the most memorable and enriching parts of collecting. 

Keep up with Stuart at curiouscollect.com and check out Theriaults.com as well where you can learn more as to the exciting auctions held throughout the year at Theriault’s, the world’s leader in the auction of dolls and figurative art.

Anyone who collects dolls has likely heard the comment, "Those Dolls are Creepy".  But why do so many non-collectors think that?  In this episode of The Curious Collector, Stuart Holbrook, the president of Theriault's Doll Auctions, dives into an exploration of how dolls got that label and what about them really creeps some people out.  He takes a look at one particular doll whose 'creepiness' means big business for a museum in Key West Florida. Is it all hype or is there really something to it?  And he examines how and why Hollywood has perpetuated the concept that there is something inherently evil in dolls that look too much like we do.  Stuart presents the concept that perhaps in order to get away from the 'creepy' stereotype, it's time to stop using the term dolls altogether and refer to them as figurative art as a way of advancing collecting and fostering respect and interest for the dolls themselves.  

Keep up with Stuart at curiouscollect.com and check out Theriaults.com as well where you can learn more as to the exciting auctions held throughout the year at Theriault’s, the world’s leader in the auction of dolls and figurative art.

Over the last year - in two landmark auctions - Theriault's had the honor of auctioning items from famed Rosalie Whyel Museum of Doll Art.  In this episode of The Curious Collector Stuart Holbrook reflects on those auctions and what he learned from the vast array of items of different genres that encompassed this world class museum.  In his ten takeaways, Stuart spotlights interesting trends that collectors can utilize, with Rosalie’s inspiration to guide. As well, personal moments that resonated for him, and perhaps other collectors as well. 

Keep up with Stuart at curiouscollect.com and check out Theriaults.com as well where you can learn more as to the exciting auctions held throughout the year at Theriault’s, the world’s leader in the auction of dolls and figurative art.

Doll and Figurative Art Collecting is one of the most popular passions in the world today. But how do you start collecting dolls and why do you start collecting?  There is no one simple answer to those questions, but in this episode of The Curious Collector, Stuart Holbrook, President of Theriault's, looks at some of the many reasons that people all over the world begin investing their time and money into collecting dolls. Sometimes, it's a desire for nostalgia, other times, it's curiousity and sometimes it actually happens by accident.  And then once the decision is made, how does a person figure out what to buy, how to buy it and where to buy it.  Again, there are a myriad of techniques, but Stuart takes you step-by-step through the process of not only how to buy, but how to buy dolls that you will want to build your collection around and keep during your entire happy life as a doll collector.

Keep up with Stuart at curiouscollect.com and check out Theriaults.com as well where you can learn more as to the exciting auctions held throughout the year at Theriault’s, the world’s leader in the auction of dolls and figurative art.

In Part 2 of this incredible interview with Shelley Helzer, the daughter of famed collector, Rosalie Whyel, Stuart Holbrook traces the family back to it's roots in doll collecting - a path that led to Rosalie becoming a generational legend in the world of dolls with her founding of the Museum of Doll Art in Bellevue, Washington which was, during its 22-year run, at the forefront of collector destinations in the world. Stuart talks with Shelley about Rosalie’s early life growing up in Alaska, her ambitions for a world-class doll museum, and her times during it’s amazing run. As well, discussing the museum’s bittersweet closing in 2012 and the emotions surrounding that moment. It’s a deeply personal look into the life and times of one of the world’s most revered collectors - as told by her daughter in loving stories and memories. 

Keep up with Stuart at curiouscollect.com and check out Theriaults.com as well where you can learn more as to the exciting auctions held throughout the year at Theriault’s, the world’s leader in the auction of dolls and figurative art.

In Part 1 of this incredible interview with Shelley Helzer, the daughter of famed collector, Rosalie Whyel, Stuart Holbrook traces the family back to it's roots in doll collecting - a path that led to Rosalie becoming a generational legend in the world of dolls with her founding of the Museum of Doll Art in Bellevue, Washington which was, during its 22-year run, at the forefront of collector destinations in the world. Stuart talks with Shelley about Rosalie’s early life growing up in Alaska, her ambitions for a world-class doll museum, and her times during it’s amazing run. As well, discussing the museum’s bittersweet closing in 2012 and the emotions surrounding that moment. It’s a deeply personal look into the life and times of one of the world’s most revered collectors - as told by her daughter in loving stories and memories. 

Keep up with Stuart at curiouscollect.com and check out Theriaults.com as well where you can learn more as to the exciting auctions held throughout the year at Theriault’s, the world’s leader in the auction of dolls and figurative art.

In this episode, Theriault's President, Stuart Holbrook takes us on a journey through doll history to share some of the oddest creations doll makers ever designed. As well, discussing the world of patents and how the scramble for the “next big thing” led to some very curious results. From the Bebe Bru Gourmand to the Ondine Swimming Doll, history has certainly provided some fun examples to reflect on. But not all were commercial failures. Stuart also ponders the why of how some of these, like Barbie, actually became massive hits in the end. 

Keep up with Stuart at curiouscollect.com and check out Theriaults.com as well where you can learn more as to the exciting auctions held throughout the year at Theriault’s, the world’s leader in the auction of dolls and figurative art.

A full life of collecting should involve numerous twists and turns. You start in one place with a few steps forward. Yet as you journey through this grand adventure you will find many back roads and detours to explore. Take them. Theriault's President Stuart Holbrook offers collectors not a map this time, but an encouragement to throw the map away and discover new aspects within collecting that you may randomly stumble on along the way. While doll collectors may start on one subject, the happy life of a collector is finding new categories to study and collect to stimulate a curious mind. He talks with Podcast Producer and Doll Collector Tammy Trujillo who is doing just that with the inclusion of several new types of dolls in her primarily all composition doll collection. With this goal of diversification, even when narrow, one will experience the true joy of collecting that can reward in numerous ways. 

Keep up with Stuart at curiouscollect.com and check out Theriaults.com as well where you can learn more as to the exciting auctions held throughout the year at Theriault’s, the world’s leader in the auction of dolls and figurative art.

Stuart Holbrook has spent a majority of his life on the podium watching and conducting auctions as President of Theriault’s. With that, he has developed insider thoughts on the different type of bidders, how they fare in relation to their style, and interesting takeaways as to the success of each. As well, to showcase how online bidding is creating an entirely new strategy and approach as collectors more and more bid from home. He shares humorous auction anecdotes along the way that frame this interesting narrative of auctions and bidding. 

Keep up with Stuart at curiouscollect.com and check out Theriaults.com as well where you can learn more as to the exciting auctions held throughout the year at Theriault’s, the world’s leader in the auction of dolls and figurative art.

For over 25 years Bill Greening’s unique designs and fashion brought Barbie into the new millennium. From Play to Collector lines, his passionate work has helped shape the world’s most famous doll for new generations. Known by every Barbie collector, not just because of his designs, but also his passion as a collector himself, he has embraced every facet of the Barbie world and been supportive of collectors around the world and at shows and conventions. In this first of two episodes chatting with Greening, he takes us on a journey from his childhood in California to his early days at Mattel, fulfilling a lifelong dream of designing for Barbie. 

Keep up with Stuart at curiouscollect.com and check out Theriaults.com as well where you can learn more as to the exciting auctions held throughout the year at Theriault’s, the world’s leader in the auction of dolls and figurative art.

In this new episode of The Curious Collector, Theriault's President Stuart Holbrook delves into the future of collecting to identify potential upcoming trends and what the emerging generations will think about the protection of objects past. There are some surprising predictions that will hopefully be reassuring to today's collectors  that the items they passionately gather today will continue to be appreciated and protected well into the future.

Keep up with Stuart at curiouscollect.com and check out Theriaults.com as well where you can learn more as to the exciting auctions held throughout the year at Theriault’s, the world’s leader in the auction of dolls and figurative art.

Theriaut's President Stuart Holbrook chats with Florence Theriault in this deeply personal and candid look at her 55 year career in auctions, dolls and collecting. Spanning the early 1970’s until today this three-part Podcast allows Florence to recount with humor and sentiment the rise of Theriault’s from its humble beginnings along with the stories, characters and adventures that she's experienced along the way.  While a beloved figure in the world of dolls, we see a human side of Florence that few have come to know, especially a new generation of collectors who may only know her through her popular YouTube video channel. Part Three explores the current generation of collecting and the dramatic changes in not only how people collect in the marketplace but how they engage the hobby as a whole. Florence gives her thoughts as to these changes, what she loves and what she misses from the past. The episode finishes with Florence “writing a letter” to her younger self, what she would tell her. As well, her thoughts for new collectors or those just starting - offering sage advice for the future. 

Keep up with Stuart at curiouscollect.com and check out Theriaults.com as well where you can learn more as to the exciting auctions held throughout the year at Theriault’s, the world’s leader in the auction of dolls and figurative art.

Theriaut's President Stuart Holbrook chats with Florence Theriault in this deeply personal and candid look at her 55 year career in auctions, dolls and collecting. Spanning the early 1970’s until today this three-part Podcast allows Florence to recount with humor and sentiment the rise of Theriault’s from its humble beginnings along with the stories, characters and adventures that she's experienced along the way.  While a beloved figure in the world of dolls, we see a human side of Florence that few have come to know, especially a new generation of collectors who may only know her through her popular YouTube video channel. Part Two takes us through the growth of Theriault’s in the 1980’s as Florence Theriault navigated the firm from the “old world" of the doll market into the new age of media and information. This led to  her transformation into collaborating on research projects during the 1990’s that worked to uncover much of today’s evolution of knowledge which she discusses in great detail. 

Keep up with Stuart at curiouscollect.com and check out Theriaults.com as well where you can learn more as to the exciting auctions held throughout the year at Theriault’s, the world’s leader in the auction of dolls and figurative art.

Theriaut's President Stuart Holbrook chats with Florence Theriault in this deeply personal and candid look at her 55 year career in auctions, dolls and collecting. Spanning the early 1970’s until today this three-part Podcast allows Florence to recount with humor and sentiment the rise of Theriault’s from its humble beginnings along with the stories, characters and adventures that she's experienced along the way.  While a beloved figure in the world of dolls, we see a human side of Florence that few have come to know, especially a new generation of collectors who may only know her through her popular YouTube video channel. Part One takes us back to her youth, the founding of Theriault’s in the 1970’s, and the growth of doll collecting, auctions, and a business that has been dear to nearly her entire adult life. 

Keep up with Stuart at curiouscollect.com and check out Theriaults.com as well where you can learn more as to the exciting auctions held throughout the year at Theriault’s, the world’s leader in the auction of dolls and figurative art.

The Love Shirley Temple auction was an event that became one of the defining moments of Theriault President Stuart Holbrook’s career in showcasing the entire childhood of one of America’s great icons of the 20th century. All through the treasures that Shirley Temple personally preserved for decades.  In Part Two of this journey with Shirley, Stuart takes us from the conclusion of months of exhibits towards that final day in Kansas City in July of 2015. It was here that the world would see all of the pieces together as one and the progression of ownership and progression begin at auction. It took nearly a year to get there - but in just thirteen hours a thousand more stories would be told as each lot was offered to a global audience. Finally, Stuart shares a few thoughts of the ten years since as interesting stories emerged over this time on many of the items. Reaching the final conclusion, that still today, ten years later, and undoubtedly for hundreds more, the Shirley Temple legacy will live on. 

Keep up with Stuart at curiouscollect.com and check out Theriaults.com as well where you can learn more as to the exciting auctions held throughout the year at Theriault’s, the world’s leader in the auction of dolls and figurative art.

The Love, Shirley Temple auction was an event that became one of the defining moments of Theriaults' President Stuart Holbrook’s career in showcasing the entire childhood of one of America’s greatest icons of the 20th century. All through the treasures that Shirley Temple personally preserved for decades.  In this episode of The Curious Collector, Stuart takes you on a journey from the first time meeting the family of Shirley Temple through to the exhibits that traveled acrossed America in 2015. He captures the emotions of the multi-generations that came from far and away to pay homage to an American legend. He vividly describes many of those exhibits and the touching moments he witnessed as people shared their connection to Shirley and what it meant to them. This is an intro to Part Two which will talk about the auction event in 2015 to the now of the takeaways ten years later. It is an emotional tour through a year that many in the collecting world will never forget. 

Keep up with Stuart at curiouscollect.com and check out Theriaults.com as well where you can learn more as to the exciting auctions held throughout the year at Theriault’s, the world’s leader in the auction of dolls and figurative art.

For over 25 years, Bill Greening’s unique designs and fashions brought Barbie into the new millennium. From Play to Collector lines, his passionate work helped shape the world’s most famous doll for new generations. Known by every Barbie collector, not just because of his designs, but also his passion as a collector himself, he has embraced every facet of the Barbie world and been supportive of collectors around the world as well as at shows and conventions. In Part Two of this conversation with Theriault's President Stuart Holbrook, Greening takes us further on his journey with Barbie and Mattel as he rose to become Principal Designer, how he balanced his career while also being a collector and he takes a look at his future path ahead in the world of fashion and figurative art.

Keep up with Stuart at curiouscollect.com and check out Theriaults.com as well where you can learn more as to the exciting auctions held throughout the year at Theriault’s, the world’s leader in the auction of dolls and figurative art.