Inspiring Walt Disney : The Animation of French Decorative Arts

Delightful exhibition at the Wallace Collection looking at how Disney was inspired by the Rococo.

There was a lovely juxtaposition of original Rococo pieces from the collection with artwork from the Disney studios and good explanations of the creative process.

The show focused on Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast but also included other examples from earlier in Disney’s career. I loved the clips from the 1934 short film “The China Shop” which featured dancing China figures and were shown next to Sevres examples on small turntables to give them movement.

There were good descriptions of the artists involved and a focus on how Disney often used female artists.

I loved the room at the end with examples of Rococo furniture and China in a setting designed to represent the Hall of Mirrors. A really innovative approach to a small space.

Closes 16 October 2022


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