One of Walt Disney’s early Imagineers, Rolly Crump is known as a “true” original. He joined The Walt Disney Studios in 1952 where he quickly became one of the most multi-talented artists on Walt’s team. In 1959, he joined show design at WED Enterprises, later known as Walt Disney Imagineering. It was there that he became one of Walt’s key designers for some of Disney’s ground breaking new attractions and entertainment, including the Haunted Mansion, the Enchanted Tiki Room and the Adventureland Bazaar.
Rolly also served as a key designer on the Disney attractions featured at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair, including It’s a Small World and the Tower of the Four Winds. When the It’s a Small World attraction moved to Disneyland in 1966, Rolly designed the larger-than-life animated clock at its entrance, which sends the children of the world on a parade each quarter-hour.
Rolly would go on to contribute to the initial design of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Florida, where he would improve upon such popular attractions as Peter Pan’s Flight, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, and Snow White’s Scary Adventures for the new Florida Park. Rolly aided in the master planning of EPCOT Center, and would serve as project designer for The Land and Wonders of Life pavilions prior to the 1981 opening.
He departed from Disney in 1981 to lead design on a proposed Cousteau Ocean Center Park in Norfolk, Virginia, and to launch his own firm, the Mariposa Design Group. Rolly would develop an array of themed projects around the world, including work for Barnum and Bailey’s Circus World, Knott’s Berry Farm, and the Golden Nugget Casino.
In 1992, Rolly returned to Imagineering as executive designer, redesigning and refurbishing The Land and Innoventions at EPCOT Center. Rolly “retired” from The Walt Disney Company in 1996, but continued to work on a number of creative projects. He released his autobiography; It’s Kind of a Cute Story, in 2012.
Crump had a special relationship with Walt Disney, often sharing ideas and stories that would ultimately create an attraction or character at the park. Rolly has stated, “Walt had the ability to reach inside of you and bring out a part of you within, a part that even you were unaware existed. Walt’s character and how he ran the Studio brought out the best in me. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without Walt.”
In addition to artifacts from his work at the Disney Studios, the exhibition and auction also includes a selection of Crump’s original artwork and designs which highlight the sense of humor and imagination that made him an invaluable asset to Walt Disney and The Disneyland Parks.
Among the highlights to be offered at “The Life and Career of Disney Legend Rolly Crump” Exhibition and Auction at Van Eaton Galleries are rarities including Rolly’s original model for the It’s a Small World clock (Estimate: $60,000-$80,000); several original designs for Rolly’s popular “Doper Posters” of the 1950s including the first doper poster Rolly made featuring an Indian advertising marijuana (Estimate: $3,000-$5,000); Rolly’s original models for the It’s a Small World façade (Estimate: $15,000-$20,000); a Fountain Shield from the Enchanted Tiki Room which was originally sculpted by Rolly Crump (Estimate: $3,000-$4,000); Rolly’s original concept designs for the Tiki Room Preshow Garden Gods (Estimate: $2,000-$4,000 each); Rolly’s original designs for the Museum of the Weird portion of the Haunted Mansion (Estimate: $4,000-$6,000 each); An original doll of a toy soldier used in It’s a Small World at the 1964 New York World’s Fair (Estimate: $8,000-$10,000); an original Mary Blair concept painting for the It’s a Small World façade (Estimate: $12,000-$15,000); an original Mary Blair ink concept drawing for the It’s a Small World clock (Estimate: $10,000-$15,000); An original devil prop from the opening of Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride (Estimate: $1,500-$2,500); A Ticket from the Grand Opening of Disneyland (Estimate: $3,000-$5,000), A Costumed Character Head from Babes in Toyland (Estimate: $800-$1,000); Several of Rolly Crump’s original hand painted “Push Down” toys (Estimate: $400-$600 each); an original Haunted Mansion Attraction poster (Estimate: $7,000-$9,000); Rolly Crump’s original Master Plan drawing for EPCOT Center (Estimate: $1,500-$2,500); and an original “Enchanted Tiki Room” Tangaroa Baby Prop (Estimate: $3,000-$4,000). There are over 400 lots in the auction which also includes original paintings and sculptures from Rolly’s career.
“When you think of the imaginative spirit of Walt Disney you can’t help but also think of Rolly Crump,” said Mike Van Eaton, Co-Owner of Van Eaton Galleries. “Together they made Disney history and created some of the most famous Disney attractions of all time. Now in his late 80’s Rolly is still as spirited and creative as he was in the early 1950s when his career was just beginning. We are so honored to be able to present this massive collection highlighting his career and personal life. For us and Rolly, it’s all about the ‘magic’!”
The entire catalog can be browsed online at anytime through iCollector.com to see all the photos, descriptions, and estimates. The auction will commence live at 11 AM Pacific time with a live broadcast, and anyone not able to bid live is encouraged to leave their best bids in the iCollector.com system at anytime before auction day. Van Eaton Galleries are the greatest auctioneer of Disneyland memorabilia in the world, and this auction continues to raise their reputation and prestige in the industry. Any questions can be answered by them through email or telephone and their expertise will guide all collectors to finding their treasures.
ABOUT VAN EATON GALLERIES
Van Eaton Galleries is one of the world’s premier original animation art and collectibles galleries. The Gallery is located in Sherman Oaks, California and specializes in unique original animation artwork. Established in 1994, the gallery offers distinct collections from the world of animation and special exhibits and events for collectors, fans, and guests from around the globe. The gallery’s regular operating hours for the public are Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 6pm. Van Eaton Galleries has offered such collections as The Story of Disneyland, Collecting Disney, and Walt Disney’s Disneyland, as well as original animation artwork from Disney, Warner Bros., Dreamworks, Hanna-Barbera, Don Bluth and many other studios.
