Description:

Walt Disney
Burbank, CA, ca. May 1941
Walt Disney TLS re: "Fantasia" & Advice For Aspiring Artists, PSA Encapsulated
TLS

A content-rich typed letter from Walt Disney (1901-1966) to one Kathaleen Gallagher, a fan and aspiring artist. 1p on colorful "Fantasia" letterhead, measuring 8.5" x 10.75", Burbank, CA, ca. May 1941. Boldly signed at conclusion in black fountain pen, Disney compliments Gallagher on a set of handmade dolls she sent based on the ostrich ballet segment in "Fantasia", and discusses how she might go about getting a job at Disney studios. Exhibits isolated discoloration at letter folds on verso, with an evident pressure indentation affecting visibility of date. Faint ink spotting near "Disney", otherwise near fine. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from noted Disney expert Phil Sears and encapsulated by PSA/DNA to an overall size of 9.75" x 13". In 2023, Heritage Auctions sold a letter on Fantasia stationery with somewhat similar content for over $20,000; however, it was not one page exhibitable nor slabbed, as is the present example.

Reading in full:

"Mrs. Disney and I want to thank you on behalf of our two small daughters for your kind gesture in sending them the replicas of the ostrich ballet dancer depicted in FANTASIA as Mlle. Upanova [sic].
Your little dolls are well executed and it is evident that you do have a great deal of talent along these lines.
Off-hand, however, I do not know just how we might make use of your talent here in the studio, but I am going to ask you to see our Mr. Vern Caldwell, who is at the head of the Training Department and in charge of all applicants. Mr. Caldwell is a very capable artist and if you have talent that would be usable in this studio, Mr. Caldwell will endeavor to find a place for you in the organization. He is constantly on the lookout for artists whose work we can utilize. Therefore, I suggest that you telephone him for an appointment- Stanley 7-1281, and show him samples of the type of work you are qualified to do.
Again our appreciation for your thoughtful remembrance to our children."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 9.75" x 13"
  • Medium: TLS

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