Good day ice skating fans!
Those of us interested in the history of the famous ice skating shows (Holiday on Ice, Ice Capades, etc.) most likely know of Roy Blakey of Minneapolis, MN. But for any fan of ice skating entertainment in general, you should know about Roy and his skating memorabilia collection - believed to be the world's largest collection of international skating articles, photos, and artifacts with over 30,000 items documented, and growing!
Roy is now in his late 80's and desperately wants to find a permanent home to share his collection for the public and researchers to view and appreciate. His dream is to display some of his collection as part of a touring exhibit as well.
I have been communicating with Roy's niece, Keri Pickett, whose award-winning documentary "The Fabulous Ice Age" reviews the history of the ice skating shows and their legendary skating stars - and am volunteering my efforts by working with Keri in trying to secure a permanent home whereby the collection, in its entirety, can be stored and made accessible for viewing. It is a mammoth effort for which has been largely unsuccessful since the plea for help first went public some 6+ years ago.
So now I turn to the skating community itself to help the family save this one-of-a-kind, amazing collection documenting the heritage of the ice skating shows. The family has established preferable criteria for the collection's home, most importantly, that the collection be kept in its entirety rather than split up, for it is the sum of all the items collectively which tells a rich story of the glittering world of the famous ice shows!
This is not a plea for financial donations but rather I would like to hear from anyone who has either a suggestion for a permanent home, or, can help make this a reality. It will require a substantial commitment on the part of the institution, business, or, private party to house and maintain this collection and make it available to the public. Anyone and everyone is welcomed to pass along to me their thoughts and suggestions. I look forward to engaging in a meaningful dialogue with all who contact me.
Thank you so much for taking your valuable time in considering my asking for help. Roy and the family would be so proud and happy to be able to share his entire collection with all of you!
Matt Brown
Those of us interested in the history of the famous ice skating shows (Holiday on Ice, Ice Capades, etc.) most likely know of Roy Blakey of Minneapolis, MN. But for any fan of ice skating entertainment in general, you should know about Roy and his skating memorabilia collection - believed to be the world's largest collection of international skating articles, photos, and artifacts with over 30,000 items documented, and growing!
Roy is now in his late 80's and desperately wants to find a permanent home to share his collection for the public and researchers to view and appreciate. His dream is to display some of his collection as part of a touring exhibit as well.
I have been communicating with Roy's niece, Keri Pickett, whose award-winning documentary "The Fabulous Ice Age" reviews the history of the ice skating shows and their legendary skating stars - and am volunteering my efforts by working with Keri in trying to secure a permanent home whereby the collection, in its entirety, can be stored and made accessible for viewing. It is a mammoth effort for which has been largely unsuccessful since the plea for help first went public some 6+ years ago.
So now I turn to the skating community itself to help the family save this one-of-a-kind, amazing collection documenting the heritage of the ice skating shows. The family has established preferable criteria for the collection's home, most importantly, that the collection be kept in its entirety rather than split up, for it is the sum of all the items collectively which tells a rich story of the glittering world of the famous ice shows!
This is not a plea for financial donations but rather I would like to hear from anyone who has either a suggestion for a permanent home, or, can help make this a reality. It will require a substantial commitment on the part of the institution, business, or, private party to house and maintain this collection and make it available to the public. Anyone and everyone is welcomed to pass along to me their thoughts and suggestions. I look forward to engaging in a meaningful dialogue with all who contact me.
Thank you so much for taking your valuable time in considering my asking for help. Roy and the family would be so proud and happy to be able to share his entire collection with all of you!
Matt Brown
