Bidding for this lot will end on Sunday, December 7th. The auction will begin at 3:00PM GMT (7:00AM PST) and lots are sold sequentially via live auctioneer; tune in to the live streaming broadcast on auction day to follow the pace. Note other lots in the auction may close on Friday, December 5th or Saturday, December 6th.
This original production drawing of Mickey Mouse was created during the making of Mickey's Trailer (1938), one of the most beloved Technicolor shorts of the late 1930s.
Directed by Ben Sharpsteen, the film features Mickey, Donald, and Goofy on a chaotic road trip in a collapsible house trailer that hurtles down a mountain without brakes. The short is celebrated for its inventive physical comedy, vivid animation, and masterful timing, epitomising the energy and polish of Disney's pre-war golden era.
Rendered in graphite and red pencil on 12-field animation paper, the drawing shows Mickey dressed as a cheerful cook, knife in hand and corn cob on his foot, preparing breakfast before the mayhem begins. The use of red pencil underdrawing guides the animator's rhythm and structure, typical of Disney's late-1930s clean-up process. The confident contour lines, delicate pencil pressure, and subtle animation cues ("EVEN" notations at upper right) reveal the studio's precision at this stage of production.
The drawing's mix of fluid gesture and tight draftsmanship reflects the refinement of Mickey's design under Fred Moore, who redefined the character's rounder, more expressive form during this period. The lively sense of motion captured in a single frame exemplifies the Disney studio's commitment to performance animation, where every pose tells a story.
Works from Mickey's Trailer are especially prized among collectors for their combination of strong design, vivid personality, and connection to one of the finest short films of the 1930s. This drawing is an outstanding example of Disney's artistry at its most confident and playful, showcasing the warmth and vitality that made Mickey Mouse an enduring symbol of animation's golden age. Dimensions: 25.5 cm x 30.5 cm (10" x 14")
Sold without copyright; see copyright notice in the Terms and Conditions.
Estimate: £1,000 - 2,000 Ω
View all lots from MICKEY'S TRAILER (1938)