Van Eaton Galleries Announces Rare “Collecting Disneyland” Exhibit and Auction
Los Angeles, California—Van Eaton Galleries, one of the world’s premier animation artwork and collectibles galleries located in Sherman Oaks, California, has announced a rare exhibit and auction, “Collecting Disneyland.” The auction will take place Saturday, November 21, 2015 at Van Eaton Galleries located at 13613 Ventura Blvd in Sherman Oaks, California. Collecting Disneyland is an extraordinary exhibit and auction devoted to Disneyland memorabilia and features items from some of the finest collections in the world. With memorabilia dating from the very beginning of Walt’s planning to his expansions in Florida and beyond, this one-of- a-kind rare exhibition and auction is an unprecedented glimpse into the life of Walt Disney, his close group of original Imagineers, the initial plans for Disneyland, and the amazing legacy he left behind.
For 60 years, Disneyland has influenced popular culture and built generations of loyal enthusiasts across the globe. Fans and collectors of Disneyland memorabilia have made everything from simple paper flyers, popcorn boxes, and matchbooks, to actual props and ride cars from the park among the hottest collectibles in the world to date.
Over 800 pieces of memorabilia will be offered exclusively by Van Eaton Galleries and will be featured during a limited time exhibit. Among the collection’s highlights are several original artworks, including a rare early concept of the Fantasyland Dumbo Ride by Bruce Bushman that is signed by several of Disneyland’s original Imagineers (Estimate: $5,000-$7,000).
Bushman was one of the major designers working by Walt’s side during the park development and construction. Other highlights include some of the earliest original concepts for Tomorrowland ever to be offered (Estimates: $500-$1,000), created by Gabriel Scognamillo, the art director for Tomorrowland; an original PeopleMover Ride Car, fully restored and functional (Estimate: $200,000-$300,000); an extremely rare Rocket To The Moon Attraction Poster, one of over 40 rare attraction posters to be offered, (Estimate: $15,000-$20,000); a complete Honorary Disneyland Police Chief Uniform given to retiring Anaheim Police Chiefs in 1969 (Estimate: $4,000-$6,000); and an original 1955 park bench from Main Street U.S.A. (Estimate: $5,000-$10,000)
Other highlights include an original Space Mountain Ride Car (Estimate: $50,000-
$60,000), original concept paintings for Space Mountain (Estimate: $2,000-$3,000), a fully functional Audio Animatronics head that is the first ever offered in auction (Estimate: $40,000-$60,000) and a Jack Skellington head from the Haunted Mansion Holiday Exhibit at Disneyland. (Estimate: $30,000-$40,000).
“This collection and the people that have collected it are beyond extraordinary,” said Mike Van Eaton, Co-Founder of Van Eaton Galleries. “The breadth of this vintage collection and the rarity of the memorabilia are true testaments to the genius of Walt Disney.”
Other highlights include several cast member costumes, badges, clothing and one-of-a-kind accessories, as well as original attraction posters, brochures, tickets, blueprints and programs from the earliest of days at the Disneyland theme park. Early concept work never before offered or seen by the general public is only a portion of the vast array of items being featured, and includes artwork from Primeval World, Pirates of the Caribbean, The House of Tomorrow, The Monorail, Main Street buildings, Adventureland, and many more.
Exclusive Disneyland PeopleMover Video Here: https://vimeo.com/141228119
The massive collection also includes iconic original hand-carved sculptures from the Haunted Mansion, including an original carving for the iconic bat stanchions (Estimate: $80,000-$100,000), rare examples of the first Disneyland ticket book (Estimate: $300-$500), a Walt Disney signed check (Estimate: $3,000-$5,000), a 1956 Main Street Station flag (Estimate: $2,000-$3,000), an original butler costume for The Haunted Mansion (Estimate: $1,500-$2,500), and an original Jungle Cruise boat sign (Estimate $25,000-$35,000).
Additionally, the best part of this collection is the range of items that are featured. Original ticket books, gate flyers, original artworks, and other highly collectible and iconic items are all available in this auction. Just as Disneyland has something for every park-guest, so too does this collection have something for everyone.
THE COLLECTING DISNEYLAND COLLECTION
Van Eaton Galleries 13613 Ventura Blvd
Sherman Oaks, California 91423 (818) 788-2357
PUBLIC EXHIBITION DATES:
October 24th through November 20th, 2015 Special Exhibition hours:
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Closed on Monday.
(photo left: Original Jack Skellington Head from Haunted Mansion)
LIVE AND ONLINE AUCTION:
November 21st, 2015 11 a.m. PST
At Van Eaton Galleries 13613 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, Ca 91423
*Register at www.vegalleries.com/collectingdisneyland
*Online at www.icollector.com or through www.vegalleries.com/auctions
The Collecting Disneyland Collection Exhibition Catalogs may be purchased at www.vegalleries.com/collectingdisneyland
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 is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 6pm. Van Eaton Galleries has offered such collections as The Story of Disneyland, The Secret Art of Dr. Seuss, The Art of Gris Grimly, The Art of Ragnar and animation artwork from Disney, Warner Bros., Dreamworks, Hanna-Barbera, Don Bluth and many others. For more information, please visit www.vegalleries.com.
First image: Rare Early Concept Fantasyland Dumbo Ride by Bruce Bushman.
Second image: Rocket to the Moon Attraction Poster.
