Original box for doll
Mattel Inc
Category
Dolls
Date
2019
Materials
Cardboard box with cellophane window
Measurements
325 x 180 x 65 mm
Place of origin
Indonesia
Collection
Sudbury Hall Museum of Childhood, Derbyshire
NT 672582.1
Summary
The original cardboard box packaging for an Ella Fitzgerald character doll from the Barbie Inspiring Women series of dolls by Mattel. The box is black/grey and the front has a see through cellophane window through which the contents can be seen. At the bottom left on the front is a black and white image of Ella Fitzgerald with a ‘Barbie Signature’ logo immediately below. At the bottom right on the front of the box there is a trademark logo for the Inspiring Women Series with white letters on a black background. On the rear there is another black and white image of Ella Fitzgerald with printed text below the image providing details of her lifespan and biographical information on her career as a jazz singer. One end of the box is stamped with the number ‘041012’ and the inside has been designed to appear like a jazz club with a white piano and stool surrounded by curtains. Both sides of the box have the name ‘Ella Fitzgerald’ printed in white letters on a circular gold background. Ella Fitzgerald (1917 – 1996) was an American jazz singer often referred to as ‘The First Lady of Song’ or ‘The Queen of Jazz’.
Provenance
Original cardboard box for Ella Fitzgerald doll manufactured by Mattel Inc. in 2019. Purchased by the National Trust Museum of Childhood in September 2020 via ebay as part of the Collecting Cultures 'Exploring Childhoods' project.
Marks and inscriptions
End of box: Stamped on one end of box is the number: ‘041012’
Makers and roles
Mattel Inc , manufacturer