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raggedy andrew tabbat

My name is Andrew Tabbat. I am a doll and toy historian focusing on Johnny Gruelle's creations, especially Raggedy Ann & Andy.



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.


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, the Scarey Ann family, and Hitty.

Unlike the research I've done on Raggedy and Becassine, my involvement with Hitty is just for fun. Here she is...





"Hello, my name is Hitty Lotzalove Sevashteen. I live with Andrew in San Francisco. He loves to travel. And because I can slip neatly into a pocket (I am 6 1/4" tall), he takes me along.

To learn more about me, please read the award-winning book 'Hitty, Her First Hundred Years,' by Rachel Fiel

Please click on the link below to see photographs of my travels all around the world."


Hitty's Travels