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raggedy andrew tabbat

My name is Andrew Tabbat. I am a doll and toy historian specializing in Johnny Gruelle's Raggedy Ann & Andy. My most recent project was curating a Gruelle exhibition for the Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco in 2004.



But first and foremost I am a collector and a fan. I started collecting in 1976, when I bought a very early Raggedy Andy doll I had noticed in the window of an antique shop. Back then, there was little information about Gruelle or his works readily available, so I soon began doing some serious research. I have since done a fair amount of professional work with the Raggedys. What started as a hobby has resulted in fantastic travels, unforgettable experiences, and wonderful friendships.


In 1989, I had the opportunity to co-curate a Raggedy Ann retrospective at the Oakland Museum of California. This led to invitations to speak at my first of many United Federation of Doll Clubs conferences (UFDC), and to travel to Tokyo to consult with designers working on introducing Raggedy Ann to the Japanese public.

I have written for magazines such as "Antique Doll Collector," "Doll Reader," and "Doll News."

A highlight of my year is the Raggedy Ann Festival held each May in Arcola, Illinois, the birthplace of Johnny Gruelle. Although I'm not able to get there every single time, I do go as often as I possibly can.


In recent years, I have consulted on Raggedy Ann products for licensees including Peck Aubry, The Toy Works, Haut Melton, and Applause/Dakin. What a kick, to be involved in developing items I can't wait to add to my own collection! I have had the honor of talking about my favorite subject everywhere from museums to doll conventions and seminars, in magazines such as "Architectural Digest" (December 2003), and in TV appearances ranging from PBS to the Home Shopping Network ... all because I was charmed and intrigued by that tattered old Raggedy Andy smiling from the antique shop's window!

My involvement with Raggedy Ann & Andy has all been terrific fun, but I am most proud of the books I've written about them.

I am also involved with other character dolls, including Becassine (look for my article in the March 2004 issue of "Antique Doll Collector"), and Hitty. My Hitty photos are silly, and just for fun. They can be viewed by clicking the link below.

Hitty's Travels