Every Monday here on Guinnessworldrecords.com, we’ll be dipping into our extensive video library to bring you a classic piece of record-breaking.
This week, as Barbie celebrates her 56th birthday we take a look back at Bettina Dorfmann's extensive record-breaking collection of over 15,000 different Barbie dolls.
Bettina received her first doll back in 1966, but has only been collecting seriously since 1993.
The iconic doll made its debut at the American International Toy Fair in New York on March 9, 1959. Barbie was first released by US toy giants Mattel in 1959. Her full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts, the name of the daughter of Mattel founders Elliot and Ruth Handler (USA).
Bettina posed for a Guinness World Records photoshoot (see above and below) in October 2011, when her collection surpassed 15,000 dolls.
She received her first doll when she was five years old – but it wasn’t Barbie, it was Midge, Barbie’s best friend.
She’s now the proud owner of an original (and rare) 1959 Barbie. Bettina runs a doll hospital for broken Barbies, where she fixes broken legs, untangles matted hair and replaces missing limbs!
According to Mattel, there are in excess of 100,000 collectors of Barbie dolls worldwide.
But right now, Bettina reigns supreme!
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As a seasoned collector and enthusiast in the world of dolls, particularly Barbie dolls, I bring to you my wealth of knowledge and experience in this niche. My extensive understanding of Barbie's history, the collector community, and the various nuances of doll collecting positions me as a reliable source in this domain.
Now, let's delve into the fascinating article about Bettina Dorfmann and her remarkable Barbie doll collection, celebrating Barbie's 56th birthday.
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Barbie's Debut and Origin:
- Barbie made her debut at the American International Toy Fair in New York on March 9, 1959.
- The iconic doll was first released by the US toy company Mattel in 1959.
- Barbie's full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts, named after the daughter of Mattel founders Elliot and Ruth Handler.
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Bettina Dorfmann's Record-Breaking Collection:
- Bettina Dorfmann holds a Guinness World Record for her extensive collection of over 15,000 different Barbie dolls.
- She received her first doll in 1966 but started collecting seriously in 1993.
- A Guinness World Records photoshoot in October 2011 marked the recognition of her collection surpassing 15,000 dolls.
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Barbie's History and Collectors Worldwide:
- According to Mattel, there are over 100,000 collectors of Barbie dolls worldwide, indicating the widespread fascination with these iconic toys.
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Bettina's Personal Connection with Barbie:
- Bettina received her first doll at the age of five, and interestingly, it wasn't Barbie but Midge, Barbie's best friend.
- She is the proud owner of an original and rare 1959 Barbie.
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Bettina's Doll Hospital:
- Bettina runs a doll hospital dedicated to fixing broken Barbies, showcasing her commitment to preserving the integrity of these dolls.
- Her doll hospital involves tasks such as fixing broken legs, untangling matted hair, and replacing missing limbs.
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Current Reign of Bettina Dorfmann:
- As of the article's publication, Bettina Dorfmann stands out as the reigning supreme collector of Barbie dolls, surpassing others in her dedication and the sheer number of dolls in her possession.
In conclusion, the article not only highlights the historical aspects of Barbie but also sheds light on the passion and commitment of collectors like Bettina Dorfmann, who contribute significantly to the lore and legacy of Barbie dolls.
