Disney originals expand University collection

The donation which now forms part of an outstanding Disney collection at the Centre includes original transcripts of interviews with the Disney artists from the golden age of animation who worked on films such as the iconic ‘Bambi’ and ‘Snow White’. It also holds a set of rare and seminal artwork cels from scenes from 50s classics such as ‘The Lady and the Tramp’ and ‘Alice in Wonderland’ as well as characters like Goofy and Mickey himself. A large number of books on Disney are also available as the Centre holds one of the largest collections in the UK. Disney scholar, Robin Allan wrote, ‘I knew of the Bill Douglas Centre through my interest in the cinema and knowledge of Bill in his films, and it seems me appropriate that my collection should have a fitting home at Exeter, where I was awarded my PhD on the work of Disney, so that other students would benefit from access to the material I had collected for many years.’

The Centre is dedicated to the audience’s experience of the moving image and has a large range of Mickey ephemera, including a very early Mickey Mouse Toy dating from around 1930 whose birthday is being celebrated today. Curator of the Bill Douglas Centre, Phil Wickham said ‘Disney animation, especially from the 1920’s – 1950’s never goes out of fashion. The aesthetics of the animation is outstanding with a beautiful and timeless quality that is treasured by adults and children alike.’

He added, ‘Our collection of Disney material is one of the foremost in the UK. Disney animations have shaped the imaginations of generations of children and their stories and images still have a huge cultural impact.

As well as a research centre it is also a public museum which free and open each week day between 10am and 4pm. It is involved in a host of projects with all members of the community from pre-school kids to older people sharing their cinema memories.