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My name is Bob Frassinetti. I’m now in my early fifties and because I love art and antiques I’ve
been developing several collectibles oriented projects during the last 10 years. The first project I began to work on was
the 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. This is how Art Dealer, 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 travelling 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 travellers
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, travelling, 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. Seven 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. For more information: Email: Bob Frassinetti. Press here to go back to web blog: Daily Updates on Art, Antiques, Collectibles as well as travel information for Buenos Aires, Argentina.
About Us: Bob Frassinetti
Don Frassinetti,
el Hombre que no tuvo infancia
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Don Frassinetti, el Hombre que no tuvo infancia. El Mayor coleccionista de Juguees Industra Nacional. Revista
ventitres. 3/8/2006 Año 9 numero 421. Por Diego Rojas
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items are from 30 Aug 2010.
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