Underappreciated: Disney Animation Backgrounds are Works of Art

When you think of Disney’s classic animated features, what do you think of? The iconic characters, the compelling stories, the memorable music?

One thing you likely don’t think of is the background. But oh, how wonderful they are.

Whether from a feature or a short film, these paintings are works of art in their own right.

The Truth About Mother Goose (1957) received an Academy Award nomination, so I’m a bit befuddled why I’m not more familiar with it. One of the segments features the nursery rhyme “London Bridge is Falling Down”, the bridge’s structure is depicted above. According to Heritage Auctions, the background artists on this film were Al Dempster, Richard Thomas, Collin Campbell and Eyvind Earle.

The background has a current bid of $110, with 3 days to go.

This background from Lady and the Tramp (1955) “around the 53:02 time mark in the film when Lady and Tramp are running away after chasing some chickens for the fun of it,” according to Heritage Auctions. The sign — Campbell’s Livery Feed — is likely background artist Fil Mottola’s tribute to layout artist Collin Campbell.

This background is one of the most expensive in this auction, so far, clocking in at $1500 with 3 days to go.

While the backgrounds sing by themselves, this one includes a production cel from Lady and the Tramp. This particular one was painted by Disney Legend Claude Coates, who later helped design iconic Disneyland and Walt Disney World rides like Carousel of Progress, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Horizons. It’s currently going for $1350.

Just look at this painting, and you know instantly that it’s from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. This may only be a preliminary background — it didn’t appear on screen — but there’s no denying the iconic look of that landmark film. It comes with a production cel of Sleepy, from the same scene. It’s currently clocking in at $480, with 3 days left on bidding.