How I have turned my hobby into a business.

The first project I began to work on was the on a toy museum. I found myself finding in flea markets, fairs and old toy shops beautiful and rare toys made in Argentina about which there was no information available. I looked everywhere until I found out that I couldn’t find it ‘cause it didn’t exist. All the amazing Argentine made toys I collected were made during the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s, and unlike other countries in the world who worry about their history and cultural legacy, we –as a society- have let them in forget. So at the same time I collected vintage and antique toys I began to develop a research group who was in charge of finding all loose pieces available to complete the puzzle of the Argentinean toy industry’s history.

The result has been so far not only encouraging but amazing, for besides of understanding the true nature of some of our most marvellous items, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing many of the most outstanding Argentinean industrials. The Museum has grown ever since I blended the objects with the information about them. And it has become to be the first virtual museum on Argentinean toys in the country and in Latin America. The feedback we’ve received throughout these incredible years of hard and hearted work have gave us strength and passion to keep on developing what so far is has come to be a brilliant idea. At the same time the Museum grew and I began to discover the richness in Argentina’s cultural and social history through means of one of its material productions: toys. A ticking question my toy oriented research unveiled was that every culture reflexes their vision of the world through their objects, and I found out that many American models that were been produced in Argentina were been adapted to the Latin American cultural public.

So I began to wonder about how an immigrant built country’s objects would reflect this, and it has been quite a great surprise, the blend of the indigenous, colonial and immigrant cultures is superb down here and the objects these past generations have left us are outstanding.

So, this is how ArtDealer, as a cultural and collectibles project began.

My initial knowledge of art and antiques, and my experience with cultural research at the Museum were the foundation for Art Dealer to begin to grow. At the same time, as I kept on traveling through the bewitching scenarios of the beautiful Argentina I began to understand a bit more about that eclectic and gorgeous culture that intrigued me so much about the objects of our forefathers. Precious treasures, hidden under the everyday life’s chores. To me this has been a discovering experience that has filled me with joy, and keeps on surprising me every day as a young child who begins to open up to the world’s marvels. When Argentina, during the 2001 crisis, began to open up to travelers from all over the world, who were coming to discover this wonderful place, I thought I had to share my experience with those who cherished culture, traveling, and discovering as much as I did.

I also thought that if I were to travel overseas I’d love to do it the way the saying says: When in Rome, you do what Romans do… and nothing better than a Roman to show you how. To share my knowledge and discoveries, I design custom made tours, not only ‘cause I like to work on a personal basis, but because I deeply believe each of us is unique and has different interests and passions and mass produced standard culture leaves out –some times- very important things.

And for Buenos Aires, as every other metropolis has something to offer to each and every one of us, likewise Argentina. Nearly 10 years have gone by now since I’ve began to picture this broad cultural project, and each and every one of the days I’ve worked to develop my idea have been amazing, with its ups and downs, inputs and changes of direction. I’m very glad and grateful to be able to do what I love most and to be able to share it with others who, as myself find this lifetime experience unique and beautiful.

Bob Frassinetti, traveling the south of South America, for art and antiques,.......... and still am developing now my Toy Museum into a 3D virtual site, and hopefully soon into, bricks and stones,....... Part 2 is on the way.

The Buenos Aires Toy Museum
Forum on Toys made in Argentina