Courvoisier Galleries saved original Disney animation cels

An original production cel of Mickey Mouse from the Sorcerer’s Apprentice sequence of Walt Disney’s ‘Fantasia’ achieved $6,000 plus the buyer’s premium in December 2022. The cel setup was professionally restored but it retains its original Courvoisier Galleries mat. Image courtesy of Van Eaton Galleries and LiveAuctioneers.

NEW YORK — When it comes to animation art, there is one name that has led the market since the late 1930s. Based in Los Angeles at that time, the animators at Walt Disney Studios cranked out many thousands of celluloid images, or cels, of Mickey Mouse and other now-beloved characters for cartoons and film shorts. It released its first animated feature film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, just before Christmas in 1937. That film was a huge hit, but were it not for another California company — Courvoisier Galleries — much of the original artwork generated to create it might have been lost to history.

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Extraordinary Disney Parks collection flies past $7M at Van Eaton Galleries

Flying Dumbo attraction vehicle, $266,200
Flying Dumbo attraction vehicle, $266,200

Flying Dumbo attraction vehicle, $266,200

LOS ANGELES – The largest individually owned Disneyland-Disney Park collection in the world amassed big results. The Joel Magee Disneyland Collection, held at Van Eaton Galleries July 17-19, followed an extraordinary public exhibition of more than 1,500 rare and unusual items chronicling the history of Walt Disney and his beloved parks. The owner of the collection, Joel Magee, pursued the unique items for decades. Many of the items exceeded their estimates. Bids came in from around the world during three days of competitive bidding by fans and collectors across the globe. Absentee and Internet live bidding was facilitated through LiveAuctioneers.

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Joel Magee’s stunning Disneyland collection comes to Van Eaton Galleries, July 17-19

Detail of Tomorrowland Autopia attraction poster, estimated at $5,000-$7,000. Image courtesy of Van Eaton Galleries and LiveAuctioneers
Left to right: Midget Atopia car, estimated at $50,000-$100,000; 1991 Disneyland Celebration U.S.A. parade float model, estimated at $7,000-$9,000; Jungle River Cruise Adventureland attraction poster, estimated at $8,000-$10,000. Images courtesy of Van Eaton Galleries and LiveAuctioneers
Left to right: Jungle River Cruise Adventureland attraction poster, estimated at $8,000-$10,000; Midget Autopia car, estimated at $50,000-$100,000; 1991 Disneyland Celebration U.S.A. parade float model, estimated at $7,000-$9,000. Images courtesy of Van Eaton Galleries and LiveAuctioneers

LOS ANGELES – The largest individually owned Disneyland/Disney Park collection in the world, amassed during a 30-year period, will hit the auction block at Van Eaton Galleries. The Joel Magee Disneyland Collection Auction will kick off on Monday, July 17, 2023 – which is also Disneyland’s 68th birthday – and continue through Wednesday, July 19. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

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