Croydon Technician Builds Massive Barbie Collection Valued at Thousands
Aaron Bevan, a sixth form college technician from Croydon, has dedicated four years to assembling an impressive collection of more than 400 Barbie dolls, with an estimated worth of nearly £5,000. Now in his 30s, he scours charity shops, car boot sales, and online forums to expand his assortment, blending nostalgia with modern collecting trends.
From Childhood Passion to Adult Obsession
Aaron's fascination with Barbie began in his childhood in Ireland, where he initially collected second-hand dolls. "I had Barbies as a child, and I remember going to boot sales and buying second-hand dolls," he recalls. "I gave most of them away to my cousin, but I kept a box of vintage Barbies that just sat in the corner of my room for years." Today, he enjoys the freedom to purchase dolls he couldn't afford as a child, reigniting that excitement with each new addition.
Vintage Finds and Lucrative Sales
Most of his collection consists of vintage dolls from the 1960s and 1970s, with just over 100 being modern pieces. One notable find was a Gumtree bundle of vintage Barbies still in their original boxes, purchased for £100. After selecting his favorites, Aaron sold the remaining dolls online, with one fetching an astonishing £600. "We just couldn't believe it," he said, highlighting the potential value in the doll market.
Community and Creativity During the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic deepened Aaron's commitment to collecting, as he connected with other members of the UK doll community. "We would meet for picnics at the end of lockdown, and it was just a big comfort to meet up with other people who all loved the same things," he explained. This group includes Clare Rawling from Blackpool, known for her stop-motion films featuring dolls.
Fashion and Personalization
With a background in printed textiles from an MA program in London, Aaron has a keen interest in doll clothing. He enjoys styling his dolls and sharing editorial-style photos on Instagram under @barbiefashionfun. "I've got a wardrobe like a rainbow, so I really enjoy adding more colour to what some dolls are wearing," he noted. His favorite collection is the 1991 Benetton x Barbie line, which inspires his own design work.
This article, originally published in 2023, has been updated to reflect Aaron's ongoing journey in the doll-collecting world, showcasing how a childhood hobby can evolve into a valuable and community-driven passion.
