Van Eaton Galleries is proud to present “The Art of The Walt Disney Studios & Disneyland”, an exhibition and auction celebrating nearly 100 years of Walt Disney entertainment history. This collection includes original animation artwork and artifacts that trace the studio’s very beginnings through the Disney Renaissance of the 1980s. The history of Disneyland is also celebrated in this collection, with props, posters, and rare memorabilia honoring popular attractions such as the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, and much more. Don’t miss this incredible once-in-a-lifetime collection. Absentee bidding is open NOW at iCollector.com and the live auction kicks off on Saturday August 31st at 10AM Pacific Time. Over 850 lots are up for grabs on the auction block!
Lot 2 is a great launch to the sale with a beautiful Walt Disney Hyperion Studios Replica sign opening for bidding at only $600. The catalog describes it as:
“(Walt Disney Studios, 2006) A limited edition replica of the Walt Disney Studios Hyperion Avenue sign. Created in metal, plastic, and wood by artists Kevin Kidney and Jody Daily, the sign measures an impressive 19″x25″. The original sign used neon, which is colorfully represented in the blue and red lettering of this replica. The lights are turned on and off by moving Mickey’s arm at the top of the sign. The condition is good with some light scratching, and a small spot of separation to the bottom-left corner of the frame. Two of the four inner lighting fixtures need to be replaced. The sign comes in its original box, which features a wonderful vintage photo of the original sign in use at the studio.”
Lot 95 is an outstanding piece for collectors. This is an animators maquette from Pinocchio of Jiminy Cricket. Valued at over $4000 this piece is:
“(Walt Disney Studios, c.1939) A very rare production maquette used during the creation of the feature film Pinocchio. The hand-painted plaster sculpture features an early version of Jiminy Cricket. Maquettes like this are used in production by the lead animators as a three dimensional reference of the character’s design. With these maquettes, the animators have a physical tool that they can rotate and study, in the same way that an artist might use a live model. Production maquettes rarely become available due to the very limited number that were created, the high level of desirability today, and the general fragile nature of the pieces. The maquette measures 7″ tall and is in good condition for its age, with expected signs of wear for a plaster sculpture that is approximately eighty years old. The base has a stamp from the Walt Disney Character Model Department.”
Late in the sale is a great find for the value collector. The auction presents an Olszewski Haunted Mansion model with a light box at Lot 767 opening for only $100. As described by the auctioneer:
“(Disneyland, 2005) An incredible 1/220th scale model of Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion attraction building created by Robert Olszewski. This very rare replica includes three scenes from the attraction which can be inserted into the back of the model and light up. The interchangeable scenes include the changing portraits, banquet hall, and hitchhiking ghost scenes. Measuring 9.5″x12″ and 6″ tall, the model is in very good condition with minor wear, including one bent lantern by the attraction exit point. The model comes in its original 50th Commemorative Collection box and packaging with a Certificate of Authenticity. Also included is a light-stand for the scenes to be viewed separately if desired.”
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 10 AM Pacific time on both Saturday August 31st, 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.