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Thursday, April 2, 2015

Brochure for Grolier "Magic Memories" Figurine Collection

"Disney's Magic Memories" collection was a 17-piece series of bisque porcelain figurines manufactured by Grolier Enterprises in the 1980s. Each figure was hand painted and numbered. Limited to 15,000 worldwide. Retail price $26.25 per piece; issued monthly. Snow White started the collection off, as seen in this promotional brochure.



Inside...



Back cover...



These last two images are of a flap above the order coupon.


Info and images courtesy of Rick Payne of dadric's attic.


Grolier was a smaller, profit & loss conscious organization. They created the "limited production" concept to increase the value of their pieces, but they also tried to maintain low prices in order to encourage dealers to keep the figurines in stock. This Magic Memories series was the forerunner to another collection--one in which Disney would eventually oversee themselves--the Walt Disney Classics Collection. No doubt, Grolier's profits took a big hit with the introduction of WDCC, as they wouldn't be able to complete directly with mega marketing machine that is the Disney Company.

Check out the next post to see the Grolier Snow White figurine up close.
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8 comments:

  1. TokyoMagic!April 2, 2015 at 1:37 AM

    I remember this series! My friend's mom had all of them.....that is, until an earthquake in 1987 knocked a few of them off their shelf.

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    Replies
    1. Snow White ArchiveApril 2, 2015 at 12:20 PM

      Ouch. Grolier made some sturdy figurines...but not earthquake-proof. :)

      Delete
    2. CLDJanuary 20, 2017 at 8:06 PM

      We have the complete 17 piece collection and are down-sizing and need to sell. Does anyone have any suggestions for finding a buyer who would appreciate the collection.
      Thanks

      Delete
  2. BevMay 4, 2015 at 3:24 AM

    Thank you for posting this flyer. I have just received a complete collection of the 17 listed figurines and wanted to verify that I had all the right ones. I also received a 'The Black Cauldron' and I have seen mention on websites of 'The Great Mouse Detective' and 'Oliver and company'. Do you know anything about these extra pieces? My Black Cauldron looks the same on the bottom of the piece.

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    Replies
    1. Snow White ArchiveMay 4, 2015 at 8:23 AM

      Hi Bev, I don't know for sure about the later pieces, but it seems quite probable that because of the success of the original collection, Grolier added to their original list. My guess is that your Black Cauldron is part of this series, albeit a late addition.

      Delete
    2. BevMay 5, 2015 at 9:27 AM

      Thanks for your response. I might look for the others. Wish I knew how many extra ones were made. Would you consider selling your brochure to me? It would be fun addition to the set.
      Have a great day.

      Delete
    3. Snow White ArchiveMay 5, 2015 at 10:53 AM

      The Snow White Archive doesn't actually own the brochure. The images were provided by a long-time Archive contributor who has it in his personal collection.

      Delete
  3. Snow White ArchiveAugust 3, 2016 at 12:58 AM

    Unfortunately, we are not appraisers and don't know the monetary value of these pieces. From what is indicated on the brochure, it appears there might have been 17 figurines produced.

    Compared to many of the other Disney sculpts that have been made over the years, these are some of the nicest looking ones to be issued.

    ReplyDelete