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Saturday, November 9, 2019

Original Production Animation Cel of The Cheshire Cat from "Alice In Wonderland," 1951


Original hand inked and hand painted production animation cel of The Cheshire Cat set on a lithographic background from "Alice In Wonderland," 1951, Walt Disney Studios; Size - Cheshire Cat: 4 3/4 x 6 3/4", Image 10 x 12"; Unframed.

"Twas brillig, and the slithy toves, did gyre and gimble in the wabe..." - Cheshire Cat

"Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" (commonly shortened to "Alice in Wonderland"), is a 1865 novel written by English author Charles Lutwidge Dodgson who wrote under the pseudonym Lewis Carroll. Disney reworked the story to fit with both a younger audience and a time frame suitable for an animated film (it's run time is only 75 minutes).

Kathryn Beaumont, who was born in London England, was just 10 years old when she was chosen for the voice of Alice. Walt Disney personally cast Beaumont after seeing her in the film "On an Island with You," in which the child actress had a small role. Disney was so impressed by her that she was also chosen to be the model for Alice, and would also go on to provide the voice for Wendy in "Peter Pan," 1953. Beaumont has also reprised her voice acting role as Alice in two episodes of the animated series, Disney's "House of Mouse," and as both Alice and Wendy in the video game "Kingdom Hearts." She did not retire as the voice of Alice and Wendy until 2005, when her role for these two characters was taken over by Hynden Walch.


Original production animation cel of The Cheshire Cat without the background.

The Cheshire Cat is a major character in the film "Alice In Wonderland." He is a mysterious pink and purple striped cat, with a very mischievous personality, and a large wicked smile. He has the power to disappear at will and he can reshape his body to both amuse and frighten others. Like most inhabitants of Wonderland he is mad, but he admits to being such with pride. He was both designed and animated by the great Disney artist Ward Kimball and voiced by Sterling Holloway. Holloway had previously voiced Winnie The Pooh and Kaa the snake in "The Jungle Book."

This is a wonderful hand painted and hand inked original production animation cel of the Cheshire Cat. Original artwork of the Cat from "Alice" is very rare to the market, and this is an exceptional image. He is full figure, eyes open, and has his ever present Cheshire Cat smile, and the cel appears in the the Cat's first scene with Alice as he is singing the song "Twas Brillig." An absolutely stunning piece of vintage Walt Disney animation art and a great addition to any collection!

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