When asked for years what her favorite doll was, Rosalie Whyel would often answer, “The one I am holding.”

This remarkable woman, the daughter of Alaska pioneers of Italian roots, would, despite all expectations, become a pinnacle figure of 20th century doll collecting. Not just in building a collection, but building a world class museum that would, for 25 years, make the Pacific NW the center of the world amongst collectors.

Rosalie’s vision was simple at first. That of a collector, carrying a love of dolls which had been an integral part of her young life growing up in a small cabin near Fairbanks, Alaska. As her collection grew, this same frontier spirit, one of do more, a product of years spent in a town whose mantra was that what you take from the land give back to culture, saw a next phase. To share her collection, grow it, educate, and give us the greatest gift of a generation.

Doll museums are a labor of love. Often done with whatever resources one has in an ad-hoc manner. Rosalie wanted more. She saw not just a place to showcase the many rare pieces she assembled over the years, but also, to make it something that the general public could relate to. It had to be more in her eyes. With that, she moved her entire family to the Seattle area and in the prosperous city across the lake, Bellevue, built from scratch an incredible shrine to the doll as art. 

Few ever imagined what was coming. In fact, it shocked many who were used to quaint museums in barns, homes, and small strip malls across America. Her vision was to legitimize the subject in a way that helped bring respect to the subject as a more mainstream art form. The building was majestic, the displays world class, it gave the casual visitor the idea of the doll as a luxury art object, while at the same time being approachable to universalize the doll for everyone. Rare English wood dolls, Fine French bébés and poupées, the rarest of German characters, all beautifully displayed. But Rosalie never lost sight of the people, as she was of the people, realizing that they also loved Ginny, or Barbie, or a simple baby doll with a history of the family that owned it.

Rosalie was everything to everyone. She made it work where others failed. And today, as a result, she is an iconic figure to the world of collecting that will be remembered for generations. It would be an understatement to call her anything less than the most respected collector of the late 20th century. Not just for her dolls, but her willingness to give her wealth to sharing them with others for a generation.

In 2012, after giving 25 years to the world in showcasing her vision, the toils of running such a large museum, and the desire to spend more time with her growing family of grandchildren, she made the decision to close it. Her work had been done. Inspiring an entire generation of collectors achieved. 

At that time, many asked her, "But what will you do with all the dolls?"  Her response was quick and to the point. She would just say, “They will stay with me. After all, it is my collection.”

Prior to her passing earlier this year, Rosalie had helped her family set a course for the future of the collection. Not wanting to burden them, but as well to see her vision to its next moment, she, along with her daughter Shelley, contacted Theriault’s to partner towards a series of events that would help, not only showcase one last time her life in dolls, but also to assure that they went to others like her, that would care and cherish them on their journey.  

A final wish being, of course, that every doll will find a home. And that, when you hold it, it becomes your favorite as well. 

The first installment of many auctions featuring dolls from Rosalie’s collection and museum will be presented at Theriault’s gala January 5-7 event in Scottsdale, AZ.  Simply titled, “Rosalie: A Life Of Dolls”, will be not just an auction, much more than an event, it will be a celebration of a woman who helped to define doll collecting today.

VIEW "ROSALIE - A LIFE OF DOLLS" DAY ONE

VIEW "ROSALIE - A LIFE OF DOLLS" DAY TWO

A gorgeous 300+ page full color catalog of the collection written by Florence Theriault is available for $79 softbound or $139 limited edition, including priority shipping and after-auction prices. Shipping is free, and the books are sent priority mail. And after the auction you will receive prices realized to keep with the book forever. To order click here, email info@theriaults.com, or call 410-224-3655.

Preview is at 9AM MT. The auction begins at 11AM MT each day. We welcome absentee bidding, live telephone bidding, and live bidding on the internet. Too, you can “tune-in” to the online auction and watch and listen to the entire event. Questions? Give us a call and we’ll help you choose the bidding option that is best for you.

Auction Information
The auction will take place at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn at 5402 E Lincoln Dr, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253. For auction info call Theriault’s at 410-224-3655 M-F 9AM-5PM ET or go online to theriaults.com. Email queries to info@theriaults.com.

How To Bid. Choose the dolls that "speak" to you, and have the fun! You can bid absentee, bid live on the telephone, or bid live on the internet. For more information, please contact us at 410-224-3655 or email us at info@theriaults.com.