Mary Blair (1911-1978)

Mary Blair "It's a Small World" Concept Painting (Walt Disney, 1964/66). "There's so much that we share, that it's time we're aware, it's a small world after all!" This is a wonderful original gouache-on-board concept painting from the hand of Disney Legend Inductee Mary Blair (1911 - 1978) for the "It's a Small World" attraction's outside façade. Mary Blair, after creating concept art for many definitive Disney classic features like Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan, went on to create children's book illustrations and other freelance projects for a decade before Walt Disney approached her again in 1963 with a very different proposal. She would design concepts for "It's a Small World", first for the 1964 World's Fair in New York City at the UNICEF Pavilion, and then for Disneyland in 1966. Chosen by Walt for her ability to capture the whimsy of children and for her love of the world as a whole, Mary Blair approached the project with unbridled enthusiasm. Collaborator Rolly Crump said, "this stuff started pouring in. Just wonderful! It was the single biggest project that was ever given to her, and she was able to just go nuts!" She went on to create more oversize works in her 1971 murals for the Contemporary Resort in Walt Disney World, one of her last projects with the Walt Disney Company. A beautiful and rare blue and white design with metallic gold accents, this stunning piece measures a massive 20" x 15". Very large by Mary Blair standards! Overall minor handling and edge wear with pinholes in the corners, and the condition is Very Good. HID09710052018 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved