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Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Original Production Animation Drawing of The Mad Hatter from "Alice In Wonderland," 1951


Original production animation drawing of the Mad Hatter in graphite pencil from "Alice In Wonderland," 1951, Walt Disney Studios; Numbered 171 lower right; Size - Mad Hatter: 7 x 4 1/4", Sheet 10 x 12"; Unframed.

To purchase this drawing or to visit the Art Gallery, CLICK HERE!

"And uh, and now my dear, hehe, uh... you were saying that you would like to sea.. uh...? You were seeking some information some kind... hehe!" -Mad Hatter

"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.


Close up of the original production animation drawing of the Mad Hatter.

The Mad Hatter was voiced by Ed Wynn and he is one of the most memorable voices in "Alice" and a real stand out for the film. Wynn had a long history in Vaudeville and had developed his giggly, wavering voice in 1921 for the musical review, "The Perfect Fool." He had several roles at Walt Disney Studios, including his most famous acting role there as Uncle Albert in the film "Mary Poppins," in 1964.

The animator Ward Kimball was a tour de force for the film "Alice In Wonderland," and he animated the following: Alice (one scene), the White Rabbit, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, the March Hare, the Walrus and the Carpenter, the Oysters, and the Dormouse. Kimball, was a superb draftsman, and he preferred to animate comical characters rather than realistic human figures. Because of this, "Alice In Wonderland" was the perfect film for him as it was filled with wonderful creatures all acting odd and comical. Animating came easily to him and he was constantly looking to do things in a different way; which lead Walt Disney to call Kimball a genius in the book "The Story of Walt Disney."

This is a large and beautifully rendered drawing of the Mad Hatter. The drawing is from the very famous mad tea party scene. The Hatter is speaking with Alice as he takes his tea cup saucer, dips it into his cup of tea, and takes a bite out of it; as if it's a tea biscuit. He says "And uh, and now my dear, hehe, uh... you were saying that you would like to sea.. uh...? You were seeking some information some kind... hehe!" A great action oriented image of one of the stand out characters from the film. This is an absolutely beautiful piece of vintage Walt Disney animation art and a great addition to any animation collection!

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