December 10th, 2024 
Lauren Ashton 
From December 14th-17th in Dallas, Texas, Heritage Auctions presents an exciting event for animation and Disney enthusiasts alike. Once again, the world’s largest collectibles auctioneer offers a special event that features rare, one-of-a-kind, very remarkable pieces of history. Check out some of the curator’s picks ahead of next week’s auction.
Jim’s Picks
Jim Lentz | Vice President and Director, Animation & Anime Art
Pinocchio Lampwick and Pinocchio Production
Cel Setup with Key Master Background (Walt Disney, 1940)
“The Walt Disney Family Museum hosted an exhibit titled ‘When you Wish Upon a Star: The Art of Pinocchio’ which ran from May 2016 through January 2017. This lot, personally owned by Disney Legend inductee Mr. Andreas Deja, was featured in this exhibit. Stunning hand-inked production cels of both Pinocchio and Lampwick are set on a beautiful hand-painted Key Master production background. What an impressive setup from a very impressive art-driven film! One of my favorite setups from Pinocchio that I have seen.
Bedknobs and Broomsticks Screen-Used Hero Broom Prop (Walt Disney, 1971)
“After Bedknobs and Broomsticks released in 1971, it received a remarkable 5 Academy Award nominations including winning the OSCAR for “Best Special Effects”. This beloved Disney film even received a theatrical stage adaptation overseas in 2021. This lot originally came from famed puppeteer, Mr. Bob Baker, who performed special effects with the broom for the film. Rarely do I get to hold something of this magnitude in my hands for our auctions. Holding this key prop created for a magnificent film made over 50 years ago is truly a personal thrill. It is simply one of my favorite lots in this sale.
“Walt Disney’s Song of the South was released around the time that the Courvoisier Art Program winding down. This rare setup featuring a hand-inked production cel of Br’er Rabbit, Br’er Bear, and Br’er Fox on a stunning pan hand-painted pre-production/production background is such an exceptional find. It even came from a person who had a family member work directly on the film, adding to the provenance. Backgrounds in this film are like masterpiece paintings on their own. Backgrounds for the animated segments were created by Ralph Hullett, Brice Mack, Ray Huffine, Edgar Star, and Al Dempster. Claude Coats was also involved in background production as well. This is simply one of the best setups from this film I have seen!
“A highlight in all our vintage Disney auctions is the section featuring the ‘Art and Flair of Mary Blair’. This is the auction for the decerning collector who wants to see something unique and rare from the legendary hands of Mary Blair. We have a huge Mary Blair original painting that was commissioned by Walt Disney as a gift to famous Portuguese-Brazilian singer Carmen Miranda. We have several original Mary Blair Fine Art paintings which were exhibited in the Walt Disney Family Museum’s very first exhibit, “The Art and Flair of Mary Blair”. This sale also has rare Mary Blair opening Title pastel backgrounds from “The Three Caballeros” to go along with other lots featuring her work across many Disney feature films. Of all the great Mary Blair lots in this sale, my favorite has to be this charming early studio look at Winnie the Pooh. Her concept paintings relating to the Silly Ol’ Bear are some of her most rare and sought-after! It is stunning, in the usual brilliance of the one and only Mary Blair.”
Bill’s Picks
Bill King | Director, Animation Art
“When I first came across the Mary Blair student paintings in this auction, I couldn’t believe my eyes. These remarkable pieces from her days as a student at Chouinard are a fascinating look into the early illustrative work before she transitioned to the bold stylized imagery that became her trademark style at Disney. This piece in particular is an excellent example of her exceptional watercolor skills. She and her Husband Lee became prominent figures in the California Watercolor Society and an early work like this seems priceless to me.
Steamboat Willie RARE Mickey Mouse Poster Concept Layout Drawing (Walt Disney, 1929)
“This original concept Layout drawing for the original Steamboat Willie poster may be the rarest item in the sale. This remarkable relic from Mickey’s first talkie is the stuff of legend and about as historically important as anything relating to early Disney cartoons that we have ever offered. As far as Steamboat Willie art is concerned, it is my opinion that there is really nothing that compares with this piece. It’s one-of-a-kind and this chance to own it is likely once in a lifetime.
“I’ve seen a lot of Snow White Courvoisier setups in my life, but not many from the early scenes where she is in her tattered clothes. This image of her going to fetch water from the well is really unique piece from the world’s first feature-length animated film. It’s the sort of piece that definitely elevates a collection
Cory’s Picks
Cory Brooks | Consignment Director, Animation and Anime Art
“This is one of the most impressive lots of Disney animation history that we have ever had the pleasure to offer. Fans worldwide collect Mary Blair, and as rare and highly sought-after as her artwork normally is, so much more so is this one-of-a-kind original painting that was personally commissioned by Walt Disney as a gift for Brazilian entertainer Carmen Miranda. This piece, full of imagery and details seen throughout the films Saludos Amigos and The Three Caballeros, was given as a gift to Carmen Miranda following the famous Disney Studios Latin America tour of the early 1940s. Amazingly, this piece is over 4ft wide, significantly larger than the majority of Blair’s typical work, and there are photos showing this same piece on display in Carmen Miranda’s home. A true relic of this culturally significant part of Disney history, and a beautiful display-worthy painting in its own right, this piece is sure to be a statement piece for any Disney collector.
Michael Giaimo LARGE 24″ Original Fine Art Painting (1988)
“Michael Giaimo has contributed his artistic style to many of my favorite animated films. From The Great Mouse Detective, to Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and from Pocahontas to Frozen, his talents have elevated these films to be as memorable and enjoyable as they are today. This original painting was created by Giaimo in 1988. The movement throughout this work, the color choices, and the almost hieroglyphic style of the artwork make this a terrific and fun piece of fine art from a true icon of animation history.
“One of my favorite lots in this sale is this extremely rare group of four master acetate recordings used in the development of Alice in Wonderland. These recordings are each stamped “Master” and feature very rare song demos and main theme demos, recorded between 1947 and 1950. To think that such rare and significant pieces of animation history still exist today, roughly 75 years later, is remarkable, and makes these items truly special.”
Carl’s Picks
Carl Thompson | Cataloger, Animation Art
“This is an iconic shot from the film that would pave the way for the Disney Renaissance, a hand-painted original production cel from The Little Mermaid. This singular moment ends the first act of the film, a defining scene in which Ariel is willingly turned into a human by the sea witch Ursula. Any fan of the lauded classic will recognize this image, a spectacular, lightly silhouetted depiction of the film’s willful protagonist. This film was famously the last Disney feature film to be animated traditionally on cels before the studio switched to the digital CAPS system, making it a landmark film that ushered Disney into a bright new age. Don’t miss this and other spectacular Little Mermaid lots in this auction.
“Among the most sought-after artifacts in animation collecting are the rare, complete Key Master setups from Walt Disney’s Golden Age. Extremely hard to come by, these coveted gems feature production cels displayed on some of the most masterful background art you will ever see, and this setup from the masterpiece Pinocchio is no exception. A great depiction of three villains (including the genuinely scary Coachman), this piece includes a stunning original background attributed to such celebrated artists as Art Riley, Claude Coats, Merle Cox, Ed Starr, Ray Huffine, Dick Anthony, Al Dempster, Eric Hansen, Mique Nelson, Maurice Noble, and Ralph Hulett. Rich with detail and atmosphere from an unforgettable scene, this surviving Key Master setup is a must-have for any discerning collector.
David’s Picks
David Tosh | Cataloger, Animation Art
The Fox and the Hound Oversized Forest and Waterfall Production Background (Walt Disney, 1981)
“If I didn’t know better, I would probably mistake this splendid waterfall background from The Fox and the Hound as a museum-quality painting. Not only is this background a wonderful piece of art, it’s also from a very dramatic key scene in the movie, as Tod and the bear go down the falls; we’re all relieved when we see that Tod survived! The rays of sunlight illuminating the trees along the right side of the background makes for a particularly peaceful and beautiful image.
Sleeping Beauty Figurines Group of 5 (Walt Disney/Armani, 1996-2001)
“I’ve always been a fan of nice cartoon character figurines, and these stunning Armani figurines from Sleeping Beauty are among the very best I’ve seen. Briar Rose resting by the tree is incredibly detailed, Maleficent is masterfully done, and the three good fairies all look sweet. The combination of finishes on these porcelain surfaces – from flat to shiny – adds to the luster of these great pieces. This kind of quality comes along ‘Once Upon a Dream!”
Alice in Wonderland Hookah-Smoking Caterpillar Production Cel (Walt Disney, 1951)
“I have several special reasons for loving this piece, and it’s partially due to the actor who provided the Caterpillar’s haughty voice in the film – Richard Haydn. Mr. Haydn was a popular radio comedian in the 1940s, and on one of my favorite episodes of The Dick Van Dyke Show, he famously recreated his ‘Edwin Carp’ character, and I can’t watch this scene in Alice in Wonderland without remembering that episode. The lyrics from Jefferson Airplane’s song ‘Go Ask Alice’ comes to mind as well – ‘Tell them a hookah-smoking caterpillar has given you the call; Go ask Alice when she was just small.’ Plus, I like the image!”
Stephen’s Picks
Stephen Wetzel | Cataloger, Animation Art
“This is a published original by Harrison Ellenshaw, titled Waiting on Peter Pan. I love how Harrison put so many elements from the movie into a magical scene from the beloved Peter Pan tale. The piece shows Wendy gazing out her bedroom window, waiting for Peter Pan, who perches on the roof with Tinker Bell. Behind Wendy, her brothers John and Michael act out a thrilling story of Peter Pan and the pirates. London Bridge appears faintly in the distance, while George and Mary Darling stroll through the London streets below. The painting is beautifully rendered in Ellenshaw’s distinctive style and rich color palette—a treasured collectible blending classic Disney magic with Ellenshaw’s acclaimed artistry.
“This is an extraordinary original work by John Alvin. It’s a preliminary painting created for the iconic theatrical poster of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. The piece differs slightly from the final one-sheet design, offering a unique glimpse into Alvin’s artistic process. The artwork features a striking, backlit image of Belle and the Beast, showcasing Alvin’s talent for creating drama and emotional depth through light and composition. John Alvin, a renowned cinematic artist, is celebrated for his ability to capture the soul of a film, often producing posters that became as legendary as the movies themselves. Alvin’s career began with Blazing Saddles (1974) and led to iconic works for films like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, The Lion King, Blade Runner, and Jurassic Park. Known for blending realism and fantasy, Alvin used light, color, and storytelling to transform movie posters into an art form, enchanting audiences and drawing them into the cinematic experience. I love this rare original by one of the best cinematic artists to ever do it!
RARE Vintage Mickey Mouse The Plowboy French Theatrical Poster (Walt Disney, 1929)
“Attention poster collectors. This exceedingly rare French theatrical poster is for the 1929 Disney short Mickey Laboureur, known as The Plowboy in English-speaking markets. It’s a true collector’s gem. With only three known copies in existence, this early Mickey Mouse poster is among the rarest Disney memorabilia. This vintage one-sheet is a must-have for poster collectors. I love it and think you will also.”
Isaac’s Picks
Isaac Garza | Cataloger, Animation Art
Fantasia “Night on Bald Mountain” 13.5″ x 10″
Pastel Concept Art by Bill Wallett (Walt Disney, 1940)
“By working closely with Kay Nielsen in planning this unusually dark Disney segment, Bill Wallett adopted an artistic style that looked quite similar to Nielsen’s, and this lot is a perfect example of the incredible art this obscure and skilled artist produced to design one of Fantasia‘s most famous shorts. It’s remarkable to see how Wallet managed to convey the foreboding ambiance of Bald Mountain’s crest with Chernabog’s wings camouflaged on top, using just a handful of pastel colors.
“This serene image of Briar Rose accompanied by birds in the woods might not be as thrilling as his work depicting the fight between Prince Phillip and Maleficent, but it is no less captivating! Out of the lots showcasing Earl’s incredible art, this one might fly under the radar. Still, it hits every single note to make it a prime Earl picture, from the immediately recognizable trees to Briar Rose’s elegantly simple rendering.”
Laura’s Picks
Laura Elsea | Cataloger, Animation Art
Glen Keane – One-of-a-Kind Google Zeitgeist Ariel Signed Original Artwork (2016)
“This piece is unlike anything I have ever seen before! Keane, Google, Zeitgeist, Ariel; those are all words and names I know and recognize individually, but when put together something fantastical emerges. First, Google Zeitgeist is a lecture series similar to a TED Talk. A series in which Disney Legend Glen Keane appeared in 2016. And during which he drew one of his favorite characters, the Little Mermaid herself, in Virtual Reality. Ah, now all those words make sense together, and they even explain why Ariel seems to be holding VR controllers in this incredible original artwork! Keane’s lecture and digital live-draw are still available for viewing, so definitely check it out as you revel in this one-of-a-kind piece.
“The story of the denizens in the land of What’s-It’s-Name and their tyrannically unscrupulous leader the Mighty-Highty-Tighty really stuck with me after researching it for this lot. I was disappointed to find The Square World was actually a shelved film project, and not just because of stunning concept art Joe Grant created for it. Fortunately, Disney fans were gifted with a short story version (which included Grant’s artwork) and this poignant story can still be revisited whenever haughty and powerful ‘Highty-Tighties’ attempt to rewrite the rules to suit their own selfish plans. These stunning pastel concepts truly highlight what could have been with their unique modernist stylization, and as a bonus, a copy of the short story is included as well.
Madison’s Picks
Madison Manker | Cataloger, Animation Art
Pete Von Sholly Dinosaur Signed Tyrannosaurus
Rex and Frog Original Concept Art (Disney, 2000)
“I’ve loved dinosaurs since I was a kid and remember rewatching this film over and over when I was growing up. It pushed boundaries with CGI at the time, creating a new mechanism for the lemurs’ fur that was later used for CGI grass and mixed computer-generated characters with live-action footage from around the world, even if those effects don’t hold up when watching them today. This beautiful original concept art by longtime story artist Pete Von Sholly shows the potential of the story and what could have been if the original antagonist of the film – a tyrannosaurus rex named Gronzi– had remained at the center of the story when it was more stop-motion and documentary focused. There are so many little things that you can appreciate up close and the image of a fearsome T-Rex going after a little frog is unique with its own self-contained story. If you’re a fan of this film, Dinosaurs, or you love Pete Von Sholly’s work, this is a must-have for your collection.
“‘The Pastoral Symphony’ is one of my favorite segments of Fantasia because of its vibrant colors, fun character designs, and use of Greco-Roman mythology. As an animation and a mythology nerd, what’s not to love? This original pastel concept art steals the show for me and is my favorite of these concepts from this sale. It’s an adorable interaction and is beautifully rendered, capturing Bacchus and Jacchus (who are probably both a bit drunk at this point) as they have a great time at the bacchanal. There’s also a little detail I love about this design that didn’t make it into the final film – Bacchus’ corkscrew mustache! Not to mention, the work is attributed to James Bodrero, who created Dumbo and Madame Upanova among other beloved Disney characters. You really can’t go wrong with this one – just don’t forget to grab a glass afterward to celebrate adding it to your collection!
“This lot blew me away! We don’t have anything else like it in the sale and it’s by far the most story art I’ve seen from the film in one group. Even looking at past auctions, it’s one of the largest groups we’ve had. Each of these story art panels are detailed with great expressions, dynamic poses, rough environments, attached script, and even hand-written notes that run through the last section of this animated segment. I love getting to look at the process of making these animated sequences, and I learned a lot about the making of this film from this lot. My favorite little bit of information was that the legendary Ken Anderson – who created all of this story art – actually contributed to the technical innovations that were used to combine the live-action and animated footage. This lot is everything you could want from good story art from an artistic perspective and from a collecting perspective it’s something you’re not likely to see again anytime soon.”
Mark’s Picks
Mark Ballard | Consignment Coordinator, Administration
Bambi Original Art Background Color Key
by Disney Legend Tyrus Wong (Walt Disney, 1942)
“I’m enchanted by this beautiful, melancholy illustration prepared for the early development of Walt Disney’s Bambi, by the illustrious Chinese American artist Tyrus Wong (1910-2016). Herein, Tyrus has achieved a dramatically lonely tone through his trademark application of Song dynasty style, wash of colors, and few meaningful strokes that suggest the depth of forest and just one little deer. I think about how the master illustrator was familiar with personal tragedy and loss throughout his life, but was also so lucky to have left such an indelible mark on numerous productions at Walt Disney Studios and Warner Brothers. Much like Bambi, Wong carried on with an inner strength of character. Artwork is supposed to make you feel things and I can’t help but stare into the woods and succumb to the emotion of the strong individual who created this evocative work.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Old Hag and
Dark Forest Leaves Production Cel (Walt Disney, 1937)
“I am always amazed to find stunningly well-preserved artwork from Walt Disney’s masterpiece that is Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Animation art enthusiasts with an appreciation for Walt Disney’s first feature-length film know the rarity of this lot, as they are also familiar with challenging scavenges for an animation production cel depicting a ‘perfect shot’ of the Old Hag character. I especially love the rare expressive character pose of the Wicked Witch in Old Hag form, presenting her gasping in horror at her own impending doom. Even more – the foreboding, cadaverous pallor of the Disney Villain is framed by leaves of the very Haunted Forest that terrified Snow White. To top it all off, it’s almost hard to believe the vibrancy of the colors on these magnificent, 87-year-old hand-painted cel sheets. In short, this artifact showcases a rare, fantastic look of terror from the memorable Disney Villain in her most instantly recognizable and climactic scene from the motion picture. Notwithstanding a little loss of paint, this cel set has been well-preserved and presents more perfectly than others that have surfaced at auction in recent years.
On the Trail Unproduced Film Character Concept Art
by Retta Scott Group of 4 (Walt Disney, c. 1946)
“Since the 1940s, Walt and Company had begun a tradition of presenting stories of peoples and places from around the world. However, up to this point, Native Americans had mostly been depicted in a comical fashion in Little Hiawatha (based on the work of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow) or negatively in Walt Disney’s Peter Pan. Around the mid-1940s, Walt Disney Studios began developing ‘On the Trail’, a witty, yet informative feature inspired by the rich cultural history of the Indigenous Anasazi First Peoples and animal life that have inhabited the area known as the Grand Canyon, all respectfully set to the tune of Ferde Grofé’s Grand Canyon Suite. The trailblazing Walt Disney Studios illustrator and animator Retta Scott began research, traveling to the American Southwest, creating artwork while respectfully immersing herself in the cultures of local Havasupai, Hualapai, and the Hopi. This would have been the first Walt Disney Studios feature to take such care with the presentation of First Peoples through storytelling. While the motion picture was not fully developed and remains unpursued, the project opened the door for several Walt Disney Productions centered around First Peoples, including various television projects like the Peoples and Places series. On the Trail also had an indelible influence on the Disneyland Indian Village (a cultural showcase of more than 16 tribes, including some Puebloan peoples) and even the presentation of the Grand Canyon Diorama. In an age of representation, it is my hope that these magnificent mixed-media color illustrations are preserved as an incredibly rare testament to the earliest respectful presentation of First Peoples at Walt Disney Studios!
This exciting event will feature all of this and more at Heritage Auctions in Dallas next week. Visit the Auction Calendar to learn more about the live sessions.
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