Wirral Barbie collector's children’s charity bid

Apr 17 2009 by Samantha Parker, Liverpool Daily Post

Barbie collector Angela Ellis wants to make a difference to children’s lives

A WIRRAL business woman is hoping her collection of limited edition Barbie dolls will be taken on by a museum or art gallery to raise money for charity.

Angela Ellis, from West Kirby, has amassed a collection of over 350 Barbie dolls in the past 14 years after being given one as a Christmas present.

The 35-year-old has since had interest in her collection from the Victoria and Albert museum, but hopes the collection can stay closer to home.

Mrs Ellis, who is a director of her own company, Laird Assessors in Heswall, had the dolls valued when the Antiques Roadshow came to Liverpool last year. They were valued at over £10,000.

Mother-of-two Mrs Ellis said: “I couldn’t believe it when I was told how much they were worth. I’ve had another flurry since then, too, so they will be worth more now.

“When I was at university, I was working really hard trying to hold down a full-time job and get my degree. I noticed an article in Vogue which said, if there is one thing you should buy this year, it is Holiday Barbie.

“They said to put her under your bed and in 20 years she will be worth something. I mentioned the article to a friend who surprised me by buying me one for Christmas.

“At the time I was struggling, I had nothing. I was born in Seacombe to a family with no money, my father died when I was 13 and my mum did her best. I had a couple of Barbie dolls when I was younger and I have since bought them again.