FAMAG 2005.20
Disney, Walt (1901-1966): Still from the film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, acetate, 19 x 18 cms. © Disney. from Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. Transfer.
About the Artist
Born in 1901 in Chicago, Disney grew up in Missouri and had a keen interest in art. He pursued his interest by studying art and photography at Mckinley High School. With the outbreak of WW1 he joined the Red Cross, travelling to France where he worked as an ambulance driver and chauffeur for Red Cross officials. Upon his return to the US he began to pursue his career in commercial art, starting a company called ?Laugh-O-Grams? which eventually went bankrupt. With this he headed to Hollywood, making a success of ?Alice Comedies? and soon became a well-known figure. In 1932 he won the studios first Academy Award for ?Flowers and Trees?, the first colour cartoon. In 1937 Disney released his first full length animated musical feature ?Snow White and the Severn Dwarfs?, soon followed by ?Pinocchio?, ?Fantasia?, ?Dumbo? and ?Bambi?. He opened his first amusement park, Disneyland, in 1955. Disney is still a popular figure due to the ideals his name represents; imagination, optimism, creation and self-made success.