Curiozity Corner: Snowbabies History and Checklist 1998

Thursday, December 03, 2015

Snowbabies History and Checklist 1998 - 2015

Snowbabies figurines originated in the 1890s influenced by the birth of Marie Peary. Her father was Rear Admiral Robert E. Peary who would later be credited with the discovery of the North Pole. At the time of her birth her father was exploring northwest Greenland. Greenland natives had never laid eyes on a Caucasian child and they affectionately dubbed her "snow baby".

In turn, Kristi Jensen Pierro drew inspiration from these historical events, childhood memories, and the antics of her own children reveling in wonderment of winter. Department 56 enraptured by Kristi Jensen Pierro's charming illustrations of cherubic imps romping through Frost Frolic Land, chose to render them in three dimensional form. Five bisque figurines were introduced in 1987. Snowbabies became Department 56's most endearing line and was expanded to included waterglobes, ornaments, accessories, and animals.

In 1998, Snowbabies began entertaining visitors from other lands with the introduction of the immensely popular Guest Collection. Their first dignitary dropped in on her way home from Oz.

Since Dorothy and Toto's first visit, The Wizard of Oz has been introduced regularly into the Snowbabies line. Let's hope the tradition continues for 2016.

1998 - 2001

I Have A Feeling We're Not In Kansas Anymore #56.69900

1999 - 2004

They're Coming From Oz, Oh My! #56.69010