Antiques, Pop Culture & Works of Art (26 Jun 25)
https://auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co…-works-of-art/
In 1993 I had graduated from university with a degree in economics and by then I’d been a bank manager in Toronto for a few years. Being a mature, professional young man in a suit had grown tiresome. I could literally feel slices of my soul being siphoned off and stored in Horcruxes inside the vault.
But I had a plan. I contacted the Disney Corporation to enquire about sponsorship for a J1 work visa (allowing me to work for them down south in the States).
Long story short, I got the job, quit the bank (my parents were super happy and proud, by the way…They thought it was an excellent use of a very expensive degree) and I packed my little red sports car full of guitars and suntan lotion for the two-day drive south to Florida.
When I arrived, I was greeted by a wonderfully creative bunch of people that were the polar opposite of my old colleagues at the bank. It was like the scene in Wizard of Oz when it went from black and white to glorious Technicolour.
My job entailed working in attractions to make sure that guests were having the best time ever. I quickly got promoted to boat captain, sailing guests between hotels and parks on a 90-foot motorboat. And I got to be a musician playing in a rock band for corporate Disney events.
As a boat captain I was able to visit MGM Studios frequently, and I spent a lot of time in the animation department (I’d always wanted to be an animator). Backstage at each park were several different locations (not open to the public) where cast members could purchase very limited edition, in some cases unique, bits of Disney memorabilia.
This lot of animation art that you’re looking at consists of bits and pieces that I collected. Most are very rare and collectable, and some are truly one-of-a-kind pieces of art.
Unfortunately, my family are not Disney fanatics like me (I blame defective DNA), so I’ve been “talked into” letting them go to new homes where they hopefully will be properly appreciated.
Happy bidding. I know that Gardiner Houlgate has had a difficult time coming up with price estimates because, for some of these lots there are no real market precedents. Actually, I’d be happy if none of them sold, so at least I could tell my wife that “I tried…” In fact, don’t bid on any of these items. Please. These are not the droids you’re looking for.
