‘Inspiring Walt Disney’ at the Wallace Collection
Hertford House, circa 1812-3
Recently, I visited the Wallace Collection in Central London for the first time, and I cannot recommend it enough. The gallery is located in the beautiful Manchester Square, just a five minute walk from Bond Street station. General admission to the Wallace Collection is free, and tickets for the ‘Inspiring Walt Disney’ exhibition area are £10 for students. If you find yourself in the nearby area, or just searching for a new exhibition to visit, definitely put this one at the top of your list. It closes on the 16th of October, so get in quick!
The Wallace Collection itself is a stunning and ornate manor house filled with paintings and objects from the past, all curated during the 18th and 19th centuries by Sir Richard Wallace and the Marquesses of Hertford. The collection includes paintings, porcelain, sculptures, and even armouries, with some dating back to the early 16th century. For a truly fascinating tour of historical art, the Wallace Collection’s general admission areas are a must see, as well as the incredible architecture of Hertford House itself.
The gem of my visit was the ‘Inspiring Walt Disney’ exhibition. Not only does it offer a glimpse into the world of animation, but also the French art movements which inspired Walt Disney himself, particularly for Cinderella (1950) and Beauty and the Beast (1991). It is self-guided with the optional assistance of an audio headset featuring director interviews and background context on each segment of the room. This exhibition boasts original concept artwork, sketches, background paintings, animation reels, and artefacts, which all contributed to the production processes of these beloved animated classics. It is truly remarkable to see the development of such well-known characters and scenes and understand where the studio found its sources of inspiration in the real world.
What makes this exhibition so special is how it combines media to bring the magic of the animation process to life. There are physical sculptures and ornaments from the 18th century, which have clear resemblances to iconic characters; floor-to-ceiling frames of storyboards with animator notes and markings; and even video clips of early animation tests, to compare with the finished films. Whether you are a Disney fan or not, the exhibition succeeds in creating an organised showreel of the fantastic innovations and creations of the animated film industry.
From visitors who are avid Disney fans, to those merely interested in the world of animation, the ‘Inspiring Walt Disney’ exhibition offers plenty of room for nostalgia, inspiration, and wonder. It is the perfect combination of culture and history, with a little sprinkle of childhood awe.