Looking Back: Cinderella's Dress Mannequin & Cinderella's Dress

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Since last fall, I've been focusing on going back, picking up pieces that I passed on over the years that would compliment and/or complete existing scenes in our collection.

One piece I added this past wee was the Dress Mannequin from Cinderella. Sculpted by Chris Peterson, the Dress Mannequin was released in February, 2005 (in honor of Cinderella's 55th Anniversary) and retired in March, 2009.

The Dress Mannequin was part of scene release that consisted of Cinderella ("Oh, Thank You So Much!"), Lucifer ("Catnap Interrupted") and Mice in Basket ("Surprise!").

The stand is made of brass and includes Cinderella's Sewing Book as part of the sculpture.

The Dress Mannequin makes a nice backdrop for Cinderella's Dress.  Cinderella's Dress was part of the 1st releases of the Walt Disney Classics Collection in October, 1992.

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To many, Cinderella's Dress is the pinnacle of any WDCC collection. 

Cinderella's Dress ("A Lovely Dress for Cinderelly") was a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 5,000 that consisted of Cinderella's Dress, separate Floor Base and Jaq Miniature.  

Each sculpture came with a stained wood base and glass dome for display purposes. For these photos, I removed the sculpture from the wooden base and glass dome to fully see the detail in the sculpture.

No sculptor credit has been given for this sculpture though Robert Olszewski's name has been associated with the miniatures (Gus, Jaq, Suzy and the Birds).

Each miniature is hand-painted bronze (made in the USA) and then placed on the piece.  The mouse tails are solid brass wire, hand-shaped, fitted and soldered to the bronze body before painting.  Jaq and Sewing Shoe is a separate piece but numbered to match the Dress.  Tiny metal scissors dangle from a spool of real pink thread draped over the dressmaker form.

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Enesco Announces Two Additional Sell-Throughs!

Enesco announced the recent sell-throughs on the following pieces from the Walt Disney Classics Collection:

Mulan - Matchmaker Mulan was an Open Edition release, released in September 2007.  

"Perfectly Poised" retired December 2012 was sculpted by Margi Wray.  Mulan is plussed with a pewter right hand & fan and left earring.  Many wondered if part of the Leading Ladies Series at the time of her release but it was confirmed she was not.

Opening Title - The Opening Title from Dumbo was released in September 2003 and suspended in December 2012.

The Opening Title features artwork from the opening credits of each film and/or animated short.

Please contact your Authorized Walt Disney Classics Collection Retailer for availability.

Enesco Announces More WDCC Sell-Throughs!

Enesco announced the recent sell-throughs on the following pieces from the Walt Disney Classics Collection:

Wardrobe - Open Edition released June, 2002. The Wardrobe is made of resin and comes with a glass gemstone, two (2) pullout drawers, doors that open and close and removeable dresses.

"You'll Ravishing In This One" was sculpted by Valerie Edwards was retried 12-31-12.

Babette (in Human Form) -  Part of the Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) 2007 Signature Series from Beauty and the Beast.

Sculpted by Dusty Horner, the 2007 Signature Series captured the rarely portrayed moment when all the Enchanted Objects returned to their human form.

A NLE set of 1,000, broken sets were salvaged and sculptures were made available to collectors individually in June, 2010 vs. destroying them.

Undersea Gal - Limited to Production Year 2010, was released in November of that year.  

"Briny Beauty" plussed with pewter arms and necks was sculpted by Patrick Romandy-Simmons.

Please contact your Authorized Walt Disney Classics Collection retailers for availability as quantities are limited.

Brand New Disney Pixar “Cars Toons” Shorty Shorts Live on Disney.com!

Over the past few years, there have been more shorts produced by Pixar than ever before in its 25+ year history. The staff size at the studio continues to grow, especially with the opening of Pixar Canada, a sister studio that primarily works on shorts of established properties such as Cars and Toy Story. 

In addition to the yearly Pixar shorts that accompany its feature films, it has been the release of the Cars and Toy Story Toons that have increased its output of short films. While all the Toy Story shorts thus far have premiered in theaters, the Cars shorts have mostly debuted on the small screen. Three new Cars Toon “shorty shorts” make their debut Friday night on the Disney Channel during Up.

There are three brand new Disney Pixar "Cars Toons" Shorty Shorts now live on Disney.com and Cars.Disney.com. 

Dubbed “Shorty Shorts” because they’re no longer than a minute and a half long, each video offers a quick and fun peek into the world of "Cars." Directed by Jeremy Lasky and produced by Mary Alice Drumm, Disney Pixar “Cars Toons” feature some of our favorite characters in new and surprising situations. 

Head to Disney.com or Cars.Disney.com to check out all three videos, including:

        

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Hiccups - When Lightning McQueen gets the hiccups, everyone in Radiator Springs thinks they have the cure.

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Bugged - Red's peaceful morning routine is interrupted by a pesky visitor.

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Spinning - Guido discovers he has a hidden talent as a street corner sign spinner.

On This Day ...

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From Sketches Volume 7, Number 1, 1999:

Hitch a ride for the first-ever Walt Disney Art Classics Weekend, March 19-21, 1999 at Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida for two-days of entertaining seminars, special guest appearances and exclusive limited editions, including the Walt Disney Classics Collection’s “Hitchhiking Ghosts” from The Haunted Mansion!

In keeping with the theme of the convention, and to coincide with the 30th anniversary, the Walt Disney Classics Collection released the three Hitchhiking Ghosts (Phineas Queeg, Gus Gracey & Ezra Dobbins). 

"Beware of Hitchhiking Ghosts," a three-piece Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 1,500 sculpture set was sculpted by Patrick Romandy-Simmons. 

WDCC Reunion: Celebrating the First 20 Years!

Ray, Traci & Elaine

For many collectors like myself of the Walt Disney Classics Collection, the past few months are really hard to put into words your thoughts, feelings and emotions over something you've been collecting for 20 years.

There was the uncertainty as 2012 was coming to a close if Enesco would renew their contract and then the announcement they were not continuing beyond 2012. Awaiting word of the new licensee, confirmation the line was moving forward with Precious Moment and the release of their first offerings.

I would like to thank Ray, Elaine, Gary & Tammy for giving us collectors an opportunity to all gather together and celebrate and share our memories of the past 20 years by putting their heads together and deciding to put together a Reunion Weekend to Celebrate the First 20 Years!

Patrick

To make this Reunion Weekend even more special, they invited some very special guests! Traci Thomas (Former WDCC Brand Manager) and Master Sculptor Patrick Romandy-Simmons.

Missing was the opportunity to see upcoming new releases, possible teasers of future releases and asking collectors of what they would like to see going forward.  

This event was different.  It was a chance of 'true' friends getting together.  Friendships that came together from both a common interest in Disney and the Walt Disney Classics Collection.  Friendships that have gone beyond porcelain and built on a foundation so strong, nothing could shake it.

Memories were shared .. How did you begin collecting the line?  What was your 1st piece?  Your favorite piece? You're least favorite piece? Yes, many tears were shed, there were a lot of hugs and a lot of laughs but one thing remains, it was a collection that will never be matched again.  There is no collection out there now or before it, that truly brought favorite characters from 2D drawings to 3D life like the Walt Disney Classics Collection.

The Enesco Team (many who have been with the line since day one) and all the talented sculptors who contributed to this line over the past 20 years have so much to look back on and feel proud of what they accomplished and created and being part of the Walt Disney history and legacy. They dealt with negativity but never comprised their artistry and integrity throughout these past 20 years, celebrating their 20th year with such a strong line-up. Had they only continued, can only imagine what they next had in store for us.

Grand Jester Busts

During these events, there is a session where Traci and the featured sculptor would usually talk of the current, upcoming and possible future WDCC releases.  We knew that would be missing from this event.  

In its place, they did a presentation on the Grand Jester Busts that were introduced early 2009.  Many, like myself were familiar with them but really didn't know a lot about them.  Both Traci & Patrick explained the process of how both the character and environment are chosen.  

It was also interesting seeing the initial concept and the changes before deciding on the final sculpt.  As an added treat, we got to see two upcoming releases planned for later this year and quite honestly, was very impressed.  It gave me a new appreciation for this line.  Will I begin collecting it?  No, at this time I want to focus on going back filling in gaps of my WDCC collection with pieces I passed on but do see myself adding one of the busts from time to time.

Pillars

Another collection that was previewed was Pillars.  Some of you may be familiar with this collection as most recently, images have been released on-line and Facebook of three of its upcoming releases from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella and The Wizard of Oz.

It was explained how each sculpture tells a story and how you can rearrange the pillars to tell the story.  Part of the presentation was a preview of an upcoming release in honor of Mickey's 85th Birthday.  

From the photo, you really can't appreciate the detail in this set, as it recaps Mickey's 85 Years.  I really liked the wood tone to this one, the drawings, quotes and stories included on each pillar. Mary & I are both looking forward to the release of this one.  Now to only convince them to do Donald :)

So many great memories of this Reunion Weekend .. Breakfast each morning at the Hampton, planning future get togethers and just being with good friends!

Ray, Elaine, Gary & Tammy - Thank you as always for a both a wonderful and memorable weekend.  You simply can't put into words how much we appreciate all you do and have done for us over the years. You know to all of us, you're not just our dealer, you are more than just friends, you are family!  

Traci - I don't know where to begin.  We both started on this journey together, August 17, 1997 and what began as a working relationship became a friendship. You became Famiglia. You did not just see this as a job, you being a collector yourself, put your heart and passion into this line. You were a friend to the collector. You unselfishly gave 100% of yourself to both the collector and this line.

This particular journey may have come to an end but the ride continues.  Can't wait to see you again later this year.

Patrick - You are an amazing talent.  Feel honored and blessed to get to knowing you and so many of the sculptors on a personal level and seeing our friendship build over the years.  So many great memories and funny stories over the years.

Thank you for so many great sculptures and one day, Willie will be in my collection :)  Looking forward to seeing you later this year too!

To My WDCC Gang -- You guys simply Rock!  Mary, Amanda and I are so blessed having you in our lives. Little did we know when Mary bought me that 1st sculpture (Charter Jiminy) the journey it would put us on. 

Like any journey, there were bumps along the way. Learned some good life lessons but is was you, my friends who I think of as family, that made the journey what it was. You made those bumps so incidental.

I can't thank you enough for your love, support and always having my back and looking forward to this continued journey we call life with each and every one of you!

Recent WDCC Sell Throughs!

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Enesco announced the recent sell-throughs on the following pieces from the original Walt Disney Classics Collection.

Snow White and Prince Charming - Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 750 sculpted by Dusty Horner.   

"Fairytale Ending" was the final sculpture released in the collection by Enesco, LLC.  A very fitting sculpture and appropriately named honoring not only Walt's first animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs but Disney's first Princess as well.

The sculpture bears a 75th Anniversary backstamp in honor of the film's release and a 20th Anniversary Walt Disney Classics Collection backstamp.

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Tinker Bell - Open Edition release sculpted by Margi Wray.

"Mischief Maker" was released in July, 2010.  The two-piece featured Tinker Bell and the Inkwell, capturing the moment when Tinker Bell is dipping her foot into the ink to mark Peter Pan's hideout on Captain Hook's map and betray his location.

Tinker Bell attaches to Inkwell with a magnet.  The lid is not made to close but stay open.

Tinker Bell and Inkwell were retired December, 2012.

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Goofy - Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 1,000 sculpted by Patrick Romandy-Simmons.

"All Downhill From Here" is from the 1941 animated short, The Art of Skiing. Goofy is plussed with pewter ears and bronze ski poles.

Contact your Authorized Walt Disney Classics Collection retailers for availability. 

Update on Precious Moments WDCC Launch

Update: If you're looking for the images posted in yesterday's blog entry, they've been removed per the following:

"I need to ask you to pull the PMI WDCC pages from your website.  They are reference only pages and have not been approved by Disney.  They were used in an internal presentation to our sales force to prepare them for the upcoming launch but Disney has us working on some last minute revisions to both the product and the pages.  Therefore they are not an accurate representation of what the final product will be."

Gallery of the Lakes WDCC 20th Anniv. Reunion Weekend!

This coming weekend, Gallery of the Lakes will be hosting a 20th Anniversary Reunion Weekend of the Walt Disney Classics Collection.

Gallery of the Lakes

Walt Disney Classics Collection Weekend

Celebrating 20 Years!

March 16-17, 2013

Special Guests

Patrick Romandy-Simmons

Master Sculptor

&

Traci Thomas

Former WDCC Brand Manager

The Celebratory Reunion Event is one of the last get-togethers and signings by the seamless work of The Disney Company and Enesco, LLC (1992-2012) which used the same creative team and sculptors during those years.

Take your cue from Cruella and contact the Gallery Staff at (800) 692-3087 today for more details!

Updated Gallery of the Lakes Walt Disney Classics Inventory Listing

Patrick Romandy-Simmons Sculptor Listing

My Two Cents ...

Recap: 

• December 31, 2012 marked the end of the current contract between Enesco, LLC and the Walt Disney Company for the Walt Disney Classics Collection. 
• December 06, 2012 Enesco, LLC released an announcement that they were passing the torch back to Disney and the line will continue in 2013 under a new licensee to be announced in early 2013.
• January 03, 2013 Precious Moments Inc. announced they were the new licensee of the collection.  This past Friday, images started to surface on the internet of part of their releases planned for this year, slated to arrive at retailers by Sept.

Part of their announcement stated the following, "The Walt Disney Classics Collection line, through PMI, will continue to share the same standards of creativity, excellence and quality."

Since the announcement in December, I've received a lot of emails and tried to keep an open mind regarding the future of the line under someone new. The line was first handled by Schmid, then brought in-house (Walt Disney Art Classics) and then licensed to Enesco.  

From its inception in 1992, the line maintained its artistry and integrity throughout even though some saw the end when Enesco became the licensee, fearing the line would become nothing more than giftware.  Most will agree, Enesco upheld the same standards as its predecessors.  

Yes, Enesco strayed from actual film moments (Tinker Bell Seasons Series, Mickey Sculpting Mickey and the most recent 20th Anniversary sculpture) and recall vividly the uproar with the release of the Spotlight Collection (based on actual Disney model sheets) and the Gallery Edition Series (sculptures done in a bronze-colored paint) but those were pale in comparison to my first impressions of these future releases.

From the photos made available from PMI on Friday, (basing my opinion on both low and a higher resolution images) found these releases underwhelming and consider them more giftware vs. fine porcelain sculptures.  Maybe I've become spoiled, maybe a bit overprotective of a line that many of us have been collecting for 20 years but a few things I noticed immediately in this announcement:

1. When did Snow White or Belle wear a crown or Cinderella wear bracelets on both arms in their respective films?

2. We've come to expect 'plussing' such as opalescent paint, bronze, pewter and Swarovski crystals but glitter?

3. What animated short is Cowboy Mickey from?

Had this been a new line to replace the Walt Disney Classics Collection to possibly fill a void, maybe long time collectors like myself wouldn't be as critical but the Walt Disney Classics Collection logo is tied to these releases.  How did someone at Disney approve these releases and consider them in the same vein?  Did they feel because the Walt Disney Classics Collection was attached to them, that made everything ok? 

I honestly wish Disney, when Enesco opted not to renew their contract, would have just retired the line. The line reached a milestone 20 years, had a banner year with great releases and what an appropriate piece to end an era, Snow White & Prince Charming.  Appropriately titled, 'Fairytale Ending' and honoring Walt's first theatrical release and Disney's 1st Princess.

To the WDCC Team, many who have been there since the beginning and the talented sculptors who created magic bringing 2D characters to life in 3D thank you for the legacy you created honoring the beloved films and characters of it's many collector over these past 20 years.

Figment Sculpture Premiere Event on April 6th!

A little dragon with a big heart and an even bigger imagination, Figment represents the creative spirit that has fueled countless generations of storytellers, inventors, artists and engineers to push the boundaries of the possible while transforming dreams into wondrous reality.  

Disney Theme Park Merchandise has partnered with Grand Jester Studios to create a character-authentic polystone mini-bust that was designed by Patrick Romandy-Simmons and sculpted by Bruce Lau.  

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Magician Figment Sculpture Premier

Designer and Art Director: Patrick Romandy-Simmons

Sculptor: Bruce Lau

Retail: $65.00 plus sales tax

Media: Polystone, hand-painted

Release Date: Saturday, April 6, 2013

Location: Art of Disney, Epcot® 

Dimensions:  9”  high x 3 ½” wide x 3 ½” deep

Limited Edition Size:  3,000

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To celebrate the release of the new sculpture, the Art of Disney in Epcot is pleased to host a special premiere event for Magician Figment, with sculptor, Bruce Lau.

Bruce will be at the Art of Disney on Saturday, April 6 from 11:00a.m. – 1:00p.m. and 3:00p.m. – 4:00p.m. signing his newest Figment sculpture for Guests.

If you cannot attend the event, but would like to add the Magician Figment sculpture to your collection, please contact Walt Disney Event Services at (407) 827-7600 to pre-order this limited edition piece.  

Pre-sales for Magician Figment will end at 12:00 noon on Thursday, April 4, 2013. All pre-ordered Magician Figment sculptures will be signed by sculptor, Bruce Lau. 

Walt Disney Event Services is open Monday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST.