Walt Disney Classics Collection Moving Forward in 2013 with New Licensee

As most aware, December 31, 2012 would mark the end of the current contract between Enesco, LLC and the Walt Disney Company for the Walt Disney Classics Collection. 

On Thursday, December 6th, Enesco, LLC released the following 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.

Many, like myself have been collecting the line since its inception and wondered if the line would continue beyond this year.  It's bittersweet, as it great news the line will continue but not moving forward with the current team that many of us have gotten to know personally over the years, who have put their heart and soul into the collection, will not be moving forward with the line.

To the Enesco Team, the talented sculptors, mold makers, artisans and painters, to those involved in the packaging and shipping of the product, a well deserved Thank You for giving us collectors 20 Years of pure magic!

It will be interesting to see what direction the new licensee will take the line, seeing the collection through a different vision and the complexity of sculptures they will release.  

The announcement released by Enesco, LLC on Thursday, December 06, 2012:

From its introduction in 1992, the award-winning Walt Disney Classics Collection has celebrated the artistry and legacy of Disney’s animated and live-action shorts and films by faithfully recreating memorable moments and beloved characters in innovative and exquisitely hand-crafted porcelain sculptures.  In 2004, Enesco was entrusted with continuing the collection as the Walt Disney Classics Collection’s first licensee and we are honored to have played a part in helping the brand reach its 20^th Anniversary this year. 

The past several years have been challenging for luxury products and we’re proud to have maintained the brand’s artistic integrity and complexity while keeping the line relevant and desirable to reach this year’s milestone.  And now, after nine amazing and creatively fulfilling years, Enesco is handing the torch back to Disney to appoint a new licensee to re-imagine the next chapter for the Walt Disney Classics Collection.  In order to not disrupt your business, and to allow your customers time to complete their collections, we will continue to sell the limited inventory of Walt Disney Classics Collection sculptures we have remaining.

Enesco would especially like to thank the dedicated team of sculptors, artists, painters and mold-makers who started with the line at Disney and joined us for this journey.  Their unparalleled talent established the high standards of artistry and attention to detail that have always been the hallmark of the Walt Disney Classics Collection and have contributed immeasurably to its longevity. 

Throughout its long and celebrated history, the Walt Disney Classics Collection has drawn inspiration from Walt Disney’s legendary creativity, inventiveness and vision.  Ensuring that Walt’s legacy of artistry and excellence continues to be preserved and celebrated throughout the collection has been the mission of Disney Creative Director and Master Artist Dave Pacheco.   From a tiny field mouse reaching up for a crystal dewdrop to a dashing prince sweeping Snow White into his arms, Dave has provided a consistent vision and meticulous attention to detail that has made the line what it is today. 

While our collaboration on Walt Disney Classics Collection in nearing a close, Enesco will continue to provide Disney magic through many of our other lines, including Disney Traditions, Disney by BRITTO™, Grand Jester Studios, and Disney Showcase Collection. 

Finally, it has truly been an honor to play a significant role in the history of the Walt Disney Classics Collection.  We thank you for your loyalty and support of the collection and your contribution to the success of the line.  Everyone at Enesco who has worked on - and added to - the collection has taken enormous pride in the line, and we wish it every success going forward.