Marc Davis (1913-2000)

Marc Davis "It's a Small World" Pair of Concept Drawings (Walt Disney, c. 1963-64). Presented is a spectacular set of two early original concept drawings by Marc Davis during the development of the original "It's a Small World" attraction at the Pepsi-Cola/UNICEF Pavilion in New York. Initially created for the 1964-65 World's Fair, Walt Disney had planned for the attraction to appear in Disneyland a year later, where it is still a beloved mainstay. In the book Marc Davis, In His Own Words: Imagineering the Disney Theme Parks Volume 1, page 195 reads, "Marc began generating hundreds of sketches exploring the look of the children's attraction as early as April of 1963, clearly referencing the look and feel of Mary Blair's sophisticated designs. After struggling with the design for several months, Walt called in Blair herself in June to help. Working mainly from her home in New York, and occasionally commuting (via airplane) to Glendale, California, for meetings, Mary and Marc (and ultimately Rolly Cromp) would work together to design the visually stunning attraction." These fantastic drawings share many similarities with the popular façade concepts by Mary Blair. They are rendered in graphite on sketch paper measuring 17" x 14" and 17" x 11". Each piece bares the initials "MD," for Marc Davis. One of the drawings features exciting early concept notes and brainstorm ideas for the attraction's ultimate design. Overall minor handling and edge wear with some age-related toning. The condition of this rare set is Very Good. From the Disney Legend Inductees Marc and Alice Davis Archive. HID09710052018 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved