Collectively Speaking

It was reading about Andy Gross's collection of “ventriloquist's assistants” in this column back in March that inspired Doreen Schonfield to want get in touch with us.

She, too, is one of probably very few collectors of this puppet genre.

Schonfield's affiliation with the toy industry is one of those “guilt by association” things: a close friend is an inventor. Which is how she came across the article about Gross—flipping through her friend's copy of Playthings.

“It's always exciting to find another person with my unique hobby,” says Schonfield, a print producer with a major advertising agency. “Realistically, we aren't a large bunch,” she quips.

Although not immersed in the industry day to day, collecting is a passion and a hobby that gives her great pleasure. “I view the puppets as pieces of artwork,” she says, adding that they are great 'conversation' pieces as well, to anyone who visits.

Schonfield says that as a kid she played with dolls, “but no more than the average young girl. My creativity was nurtured through my paper doll collection where I invented 'lives' for my box full of characters. Perhaps, the puppets are an outgrowth,” she muses.

“To figure out a reason why, would probably require some sessions with a shrink,” she laughs

It was not until becoming an adult, however, that Schonfield first wanted a ventriloquist puppet. “Don't know why that is,” she says, but then notes that these types of puppets were not usually sold in toy stores she frequented as a kid.

“Since it was not possible to walk into a toy store and buy one, my desire was unfulfilled until my cousin spotted an old 'Ricky Little' character in an antique toy store on Long Island,” Schonfield tells Playthings. “From then I started talking to an art director friend of mine who collected toys and realized there was a whole world of figures out there looking for a good home!”

Most of her puppets are from the 1960s and 1970s, but the oldest is a 1939 Charlie McCarthy. As a collector, she prefers the hard molds to the soft figures. “Somehow they are more realistic to me,” she says.

And while her collection is valuable from a monetary standpoint, Schonfield readily admits the emotional value is what is priceless to her.

“I always joke to my friends that if I were out of work there would be a homeless woman with 45 ventriloquist puppets at her side. They are part of my family and that's the way it will stay,” Schonfield says emphatically.

Schonfield says that the only thing that has affected her collecting is lack of space.

“Living in New York City with space at a premium has put a halt to the growth of the collection,” she explains, adding that even office space has been cut back and “cubicle life is not conducive” to displaying toys.

“My boyfriend recently gave me a mini Howdy Doody which is great. He sits in my 'big' Howdy's lap.”

That kind of addition helps with the space limitations and is “super,” she says.

“But for now, 'til I win the lottery, we are at status quo,” Schonfield says.

“But flash a cute homeless face in front of me with a good price and there's always room for one more,” she quickly adds.

Are you an avid collector of toys and have a story to be told? Please e-mail Maria Weiskott at: mweiskott@reedbusiness.com.