Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Bid at ‘Celebrating 100 Years of Disney’ auction

The four-day auction spans Disney’s animation history from “Steamboat Willie” through its golden age of “Snow White,” “Cinderella,” and “Sleeping Beauty” and into the modern era with “The Little Mermaid” and “Beauty and the Beast,” and more.

The highlight of the 100 Years of Disney auction is the collection of original animation and fine art from Disney’s 1950 classic “Cinderella,” which includes almost 100 “Cinderella-“themed lots.

“With Disney’s Courvoisier art program ending in the late 1940s and Disneyland’s cel-selling at its Art Corner store not taking place until 1955, the artwork for this classic film fell into a vacuum of no distribution,” explains Heritage Auctions Vice President of Animation and Anime Art Jim Lentz. “In more than ten years of highlighting Disney films, this is our first (and possibly last) ‘Cinderella’ feature theme for an auction. We have production cels, animation drawings, Mary Blair concept art, storyboards, Disney Book art. and Disney fine art all related to this landmark piece of cinema history.”

“Celebrating 100 Years Of Disney” Auction: “Cinderella” Production Artwork

The “Cinderella” production cels and drawings in the auction showcase iconic moments in the movie, including the Disney princess preparing for the ball and dancing with the prince.

However, the most notable production cel features a close-up of the Duke placing the glass slipper on Cinderella’s foot. The one-of-a-kind 11.5″ x 9″ image comprised of four 16-field, 3-peg hole cels, which include an effects cel of the sparkles given off by the slipper, has been held in a private collection for nearly 30 years. 

“Celebrating 100 Years Of Disney” Auction: Mary Blair and Eyvind Earle Artwork

The concept artwork in the auction features work by Disney Legend Mary Blair (in her familiar whimsical style) – and the best offering Heritage has ever assembled Blair’s artwork – including key paintings of Cinderella’s horses and carriage and of the Duke placing the glass slipper on Cinderella’s foot.

Along with Blair, Eyvind Earle is the most collectible and beloved Disney artist, particularly his work for the Disney classics “Lady and the Tramp,” “Peter Pan,”and his most famous work for “Sleeping Beauty.”

Fun Fact: Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Paris is inspired by Earle’s artwork for the movie.

The “Celebrating 100 Years Of Disney” auction features some of Earle’s most famous pieces, including the three fairies preparing for the princess’s party, Maleficent standing on King Stephen’s castle, and Prince Phillip’s encounter with the sleeping Aurora.

“This spectacular event presents a journey through Disney’s most quintessential moments, and amongst the parade of famous titles and cherished characters, Eyvind Earle’s gorgeous artwork is a true highlight,” says Lentz. “This astounding collection showcases how the distinguished Disney artist marked an era and inspired the generations to come.”

Additional Disney Artwork

In addition to original artwork by Blair and Earle, the “Celebrating 100 Years Of Disney” auction also includes the work of Ub Iwerks (“Steamboat Willie”); Ken Anderson (“Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Pete’s Dragon”); Glen Keane (“The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin”); and Thom Enriquez (“The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” “Mulan”).

“The Walt Disney Studios have always insisted on hiring the very best artists to create their world-famous animation, so it comes as no surprise such talented names would be associated with their theatrical and television productions,” Lentz says Lentz. “The instantly recognizable style of movie poster artist Paul Wenzel is included here, as well as work from in-demand children’s book artist John Kurtz, and world-class matte painters Peter Ellenshaw and his son Harrison are joined by work by more great artists like Toby Bluth, Mike Royer, Glen Tarnowski, Hank Porter, Fred Spencer, John Hench, Jorgen Klubien, Tom Wood, Albert Hurter … the list goes on!”

“Celebrating 100 Years Of Disney” Sessions

The auction is divided into four sessions:

• Signature Floor Session (Lots 16001-16296): June 23, 2023, at 10 a.m. CT – Live Floor, Live Phone, Mail, Fax, Internet, and Heritage Live bidding.Proxy bidding ends ten minutes before the session starts; live proxy bidding on Heritage Live starts seven days before the live session begins and continues through the session.
• Signature Floor Session (Lots 16001-16296): June 24, 2023, at 10 a.m. CT – Live Floor, Live Phone, Mail, Fax, Internet, and Heritage Live bidding available.Proxy bidding ends ten minutes before the session starts; live proxy bidding on Heritage Live starts seven days before the live session begins and continues through the session.
• Signature Internet Session (Lots 18001-18569): June 25, 2023, at 10 a.m. CT –Mail, Fax, Internet, and Heritage Live bidding available (No Floor or Phone Bidding).Proxy bidding ends ten minutes before the session starts; live proxy bidding on Heritage Live starts seven days before the live session begins and continues through the session.
• Signature Internet Session (Lots 19001-19335): June 26, 2023, at 10 a.m. CT – Mail, Fax, Internet, and Heritage Live bidding available (No Floor or Phone Bidding). Proxy bidding ends ten minutes before the session starts; live proxy bidding on Heritage Live starts seven days before the live session begins and continues through the session.

Lot viewing is available by appointment on June 21-22, 2023, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Heritage Auctions in Dallas, Tex.

For more information about all lots in the auction, visit HA.com/7310.