Since 1993, Barker Animation has remained one of the most trusted and preferred sources for animation and pop culture art and collectibles. Visit one of our three gallery locations, or find us online at www.barkeranimation.com!
The purchase of a Mickey Mouse original production drawing in the 1960s marked the beginning of a lifelong love of animation art for Herbert and Gloria Barker. That was the seed for a collection that grew and flourished over the years. It inspired them, in time, to open a comic themed museum and three animation art galleries.
The first Barker Animation Art Gallery opened in West Hartford, Connecticut, on November 13, 1993. As one of the few brick and mortar stores left in the country that carried animation art, The Barker Gallery quickly became a local attraction. The 5,000 square foot space housed over 1,000 pieces of art and collectibles, as well as a Children’s Teaching Theater that seated 100. Art classes and visiting artist events were a regular attraction, drawing visitors from all around the tri-state area.
The success of their first gallery allowed the Barkers to open a second Connecticut location. On October 8, 1994, the Cheshire Gallery opened for business. This beautiful 3,000 square foot space has since welcomed renowned artists including Charles Fazzino, Iwao Takamoto, Toby Bluth, Shamus Culhane and Myron Waldman. The two galleries were consolidated into the Cheshire location, which also housed the Barker Character, Comic & Cartoon Museum and Barker Specialty corporate headquarters. A 7,000 square foot Fine Art Showroom was added to the complex in 2001, creating a staggering 10,000 square feet of display space.
In 2010, Herb and Gloria decided to bring their unique vision to a completely new audience in South Florida. The Village at Gulfstream Park was the ideal location to house their newest gallery. Since November 5, 2010, the Hallandale Gallery has hosted internationally renowned Disney artists Tim Rogerson, Mike Kupka and Bret Iwan, noted poker expert and author Sheree Bykofsky and famed 3-D artist Charles Fazzino. The newest edition to the Barker Animation Art Gallery family is now the opening of the Tanger Outlets location in Foxwoods Resort Casino. About 30-40 minutes from the Cheshire gallery, this new location boasts a large assortment of fine art, collectibles, and fan/sports memorabilia.
Whether making a purchase from the comfort of home or visiting one of the beautiful galleries in person, Barker Animation provides the finest products to collectors all around the world.
