13613 Ventura Boulevard Sherman Oaks, California 91423
Van Eaton Galleries (the hosts of 2018’s “THAT’S FROM DISNEYLAND” exhibition extravaganza) have unveiled a few more rarely-seen, Disney-related items. Thankfully the owners of this particular gallery have warmly welcomed curious historians and fans to browse this “one-of-a-kind shop” for Walt Disney Studio and Disney Parks pieces before the May 4th, 2019 auction date. We invite you to “step this way, please”, and join YOUR Field Guide Beth as we examine a few treasures of the “Art of Entertainment Auction & Exhibition”!
“ONE-OF-A-KIND SHOPPING”
To begin, we would like to share a few surprises that are not part of the auction exhibit.
Once upon a time, Walt Disney actually considered a sequel to his 1940 box office success Fantasia! Several short segments were in development, including a piece entitled “Baby Ballet” to the tune of Chopin’s Berceuse. Conception began with story scene drawings by Walt Disney Studios colorist Mary Blair. Though much was developed, this segment would never come to fruition. Luckily, quite a few drawings and paintings from this segment have surfaced during our present era.
As early as the 1930s, Kay Kamen promoted Mickey Mouse (and his other licensed friends) to numerous manufacturers. These manufacturers made innumerable licensed product based on practically every character, short film, and feature film in the Walt Disney Studios catalog. As our next piece proves, there were many toys that were aimed at both boys and girls. Please CLICK on the following window and scroll through a few close-ups of the Donald Duck Shelby girls Bicycle (released during 1949)! We must add that (considering the average Donald Duck fan demographic), we like to think of this particular bicycle as unisex.
We were also overjoyed to find a picture of “the age of progress” - an authentic production cel utilized for The Little House (1952). Here we see the Little House “completely surrounded by progress”. “Come what may, she had to stand her ground”. Perhaps this “poor forgotten Little House” will “find someone to love and cherish her”.
The Santa Fe and Disneyland Railroad would receive much maintenance and refurbishment throughout the successive decades of 1955. What ever would come of the old rails, spikes, oil cans, and other equipment after they “ran their course”? Many of these items would ultimately sit in a backstage area until they were either thrown out or someone would agree to pick them up. We’re a sucker for anything Disneyland Railroad - related, which is why we simply had to spotlight these Santa Fe & Disneyland Railroad spikes. The plate is a reproduction, but these two giant nails actually helped secure the rails that carried Walt Disney and guests on grand circle tours throughout Disneyland’s “heyday” of the 1950s!
“Artifacts of IMAGination engINEERING”
Walt Disney Studio layout artist Bruce Bushman may not be a household name, but many Disney historians appreciate his major contributions to timeless feature films and Disneyland attractions. Bruce began his career with Walt Disney Studios during the 1930s as a distinguishable layout artist, but twenty years later (during 1954), Bruce joined WED and went on to create a number of memorable concept designs for Walt Disney’s magic kingdom in Anaheim. Some of these designs would sit in the studio morgue, while a good amount would help shape the feel of Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. Even after Disneyland opened, Bruce Bushman continued creating designs for future attractions, which would be installed at a later date. One such work is this concept painting for a show scene for a pirate themed walk-through attraction. It is believed that Bruce created this painting sometime between 1957 and 1962. Please CLICK the following window and scroll through a few close-ups of this magnificent work that helped shape Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean attraction!
Bruce Bushman created many scene layout concepts for Walt Disney Studios. Even while he was still contributing ideas for Disneyland, Bruce’s feature film work didn’t cease during 1956 as he continued to paint story scenes for Walt Disney’s the Great Locomotive Chase. The palette of this particular painting was influential in producing a poster that advertised the film’s theatrical release.
WALT DISNEY’S THE GREAT LOCOMOTIVE CHASE concept by Bruce Bushman features both the Yonah and the General (based on the True-Life Union hijack of the Civil War-era locomotive)!
“What a sight!” Van Eaton Galleries features a notable conceptual painting by artist Tony Walton, who captured Bert, Michael, Jane, and (of course) Mary Poppins on the rooftops of London. Tony Walton painted this suggestive view circa 1963 while acting as a visual consultant for Walt Disney’s feature-length film Mary Poppins!
“A GIFT TO REMEMBER”
One of Van Eaton’s galleries features a huge selection of Disneyland souvenirs. Some of you may remember a few of these trinkets based on Disneyland attractions like the Main Street Surrey, the Disneyland Hotel, and the Clock of the World. These items often served as conversation pieces and mementos long after your visit to Walt Disney’s magic kingdom.
At first glance, this porcelain figurine looks like a souvenir of the Pack Mule attraction, but on closer observation one notes a tag for the Disneyland Mineral Hall - a one-time Rainbow Ridge attraction and shop.
Many Disneyland guests have eaten at Frontierland’s Rancho del Zocalo Restaurant, with little thought to the name. The restaurant’s predecessors once sat in the “public square” of Frontierland’s Mexican Village. This glazed ceramic ash tray beautifully represented that section of Frontierland as well as the bygone Disneyland era of smoking-related souvenirs sold in the park.
It was not uncommon to see Disneyland merchandise emblazoned with sponsor’s logos or names. The third sponsor of Main Street lockers was no exception. They received their turn, when the iconic blue Global Van Lines truck became the subject of several licensed souvenirs, including this glazed ceramic ashtray!
Tomorrowland’s Clock of the World also became the “centerpiece” of several finely-crafted, hand-painted ceramics by Eleanore Welborn, which were sold inside Disneyland.
Figures of Walt Disney’s Zorro were once sold inside Disneyland and Disneyland Hotel’s shops during the 1960s. To the dismay of many young children, these dashing ceramic and metal figures of the “bold renegade” (and his silver blade) were for show, not play.
When it comes to so-called “vintage” licensed Disney merchandise, much of the collector appeal comes from a “mint” package or tag. Perhaps you too remember the scents, the suspense and the feel of the package as you opened your Disneyland souvenir box and assembled your purchase.
Disneyland was also the name of a “wonderful” weekly television program, even long before the advent of COLOR. If you don’t believe us, then ask your parents or grandparents. Walt Disney would regularly appear in your television set and welcome you into his studio office, unveiling the latest Walt Disney Studio films and future Disneyland attractions! During January of 1955, a particular Disneyland episode entitled “Monsters of the Deep” would be the platform to showcase the 1954 release of “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea”. During the episode, Walt actually handled this detailed creation from the mind of Harper Goff. Soon, one lucky bidder will be able to welcome guests to observe this historic model in their own home or office!
You might recall seeing a photograph of Walt Disney inspecting an animatronic Jungle River Cruise impala. This may not be one of the ears (pictured), however it was removed during an early refurbishment and made into this trophy!
While Tomorrowland guests waited in a queue line to board their Inner Space Atomobiles, they would pass informational Monsanto displays. Some of the displays included shrunken Atomobiles and riders which happened to be the same size as some of the vehicles that journeyed through the Mighty Microscope. Van Eaton’s current auction includes one such 1967 “display” model (identified by its passengers and restraining bar). Please CLICK the following window and feast your giant eye on a few close-ups of this miraculous miniature Monsanto Atomobile prop!
“CAST MEMBERS ONLY”
Today, one benefit of being a Disneyland Cast Member is the exclusive merchandise sold through shops like Company D in Anaheim. Before 1988, Cast Members did not have this resource and were periodically honored with unique Service Awards and custom commemorative items. Van Eaton Galleries currently has a few of these early keepsakes sprinkled about The Art of Entertainment show.
From an exclusive “Cast Member Only” Big Thunder Mountain ring, to a 1979 Disneyland Cast Member Service Award - this exhibit and auction may have something you’ve never seen before!
There are (of course), too many “gems” to showcase here. While there is still time, you simply must visit Van Eaton Galleries in order to explore the rest of the exhibit on your own. But we hope this gives you an idea of what to expect at the upcoming Art of Entertainment Exhibition and Auction!
PUBLIC EXHIBITON :
April 9, 2019 - May 3, 2019
EXHIBITION HOURS :
Tuesday through Saturday - 10 am to 6 pm
Sunday - 12 noon to 4 pm
CLOSED on Mondays
AUCTION DATE :
MAY 4th, 2019 - starting at 10 am PT