PPB September 2021

in a greater number of areas. That’s what got me excited for the world beyond art and to be used as uniquely owned digital assets, which is what they are. Indeed, we are starting to see cross-collaborations and greater support for a convergence of both digital and physical assets.” But even from its start, Barker Specialty Co. was borne from a forward-focused, go-getter mindset. Celebrating 70 years in business this year, the distributor was founded in 1951 by Barker's parents, Gloria and Herb Barker, a U.S. Army veteran, who sold souvenir salt-and-pepper shakers across the East Coast; something which, in three years’ time, developed into selling branded, custommerchandise and became a multimillion- dollar business not too long after. While running their business, the couple developed their shared interest in collecting, and eventually decided to invite the public to enjoy their personal art and toy collection, opening BCCCM in 1997. Today, the collection the Barker’s started in 1973, spanning more than 40 years’ worth of collecting, features over 80,000 items, most of which are relics of childhood, like cartoon lunchboxes, toys, games and other collectibles. Some of the many smile-worthy characters in the collection include Popeye, Betty Boop, Mickey Mouse and Howdy Doody. Also during this time, Gloria and Herb discovered their shared, niche interest in production works, which began after purchasing a Mickey Mouse original production drawing in the ’60s. This interest evolved into an animation and pop-art collection which opened as Barker Art Animation Galleries in 1997. Recognized as the largest animation and entertainment art gallery in the world, Barker says, it includes an additional location at Foxwoods in Mashantucket, Connecticut, and features works from studios such as DC Comics, Disney/ Pixar, Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P., Marvel Comics, Universal Studios and Warner Bros. Considering the Barkers' joy for celebrating the collection of toys and other collectibles and creations, it only made sense for Barker Specialty Co.’s very first NFT to be of a treasured toy from Gloria and Herb's personal collection. The chosen item was a cast-iron elephant Ge r r y Ba r ke r THINK Gloria and Herb Barker opened The Barker Character, Comic & Cartoon Museum in 1997, which remains open to the public today. It features a collection of more than 80,000 toys, games and other collectibles, with a special focus on cartoon characters. 70 | SEPTEMBER 2021 |