Disney Artist Ralph Kent Collection in Several Sales Ralph was an Art Director for the Walt Disney Company, and worked for Walt himself beginning back in the early 1960s. Ralph was a friend of many in the collecting world of Disneyana and Comic Art.
Born January 28, 1939, Ralph attended the University of Buffalo Albright Art School. In 1960, he joined the U.S. Army, illustrating military training aids and films.
Upon discharge, Ralph headed to Disney, where he was hired to develop marketing materials for the Jungle Cruise, Enchanted Tiki Room, and more. He worked with fellow Legends Van Arsdale France and Dick Nunis, creators of Disney University, developing training materials for the Company's four attractions featured at the 1964-65 New York World's Fair, including It's A Small World. He also served as art director to Celebrity Sports Center in Denver, which Walt co-owned with celebrities including Art Linkletter and Jack Benny.
In 1965, Ralph designed the first limited-edition Mickey Mouse watch for adults, which Walt presented to 25 of his top executives. A timely invention, word quickly spread about the unique Mickey Mouse time piece and today, more than 100 adult watch designs are manufactured each year.
Ralph arrived in Florida in 1971, to design souvenirs such as license plates, bumper stickers, and more for Walt Disney World. Eight years later, he became Director of Walt Disney Imagineering East, overseeing Florida staff support for EPCOT Center and Tokyo Disneyland.
In 1990, he joined the Disney Design Group as a Corporate Trainer, mentoring new artists and creating an extensive reference collection of character model sheets.
After 41 years dedicated to The Walt Disney Company, he retired in May 2004, and continued to consult on special projects.
He's also enjoying woodworking: "I always wanted to be Geppetto," he said. And so, Ralph Kent continued to make his Disney-inspired dreams come true.
Ralph Kent passed away in Florida in September 2007.
Sept. 14 - Philip Weiss Auctions, Oceanside NY
Philip Weiss Auctions
Lot 1251A
1954 PEANUTS Daily Comic Strip, Charles Schulz signed Original Art, features only Peppermint Patty jumping rope, Aug. 31, 1954, 6.75" x 28.75," from the Ralph Kent Collection,
Lots 1482 thru 1511
Original Art of Mickey & Goofy, 19.25" x 24" painted Original artwork of Mickey Mouse and Goofy in a Car in Hollywood with Map of The Stars, Disney deassession, from the Ralph Kent Collection,
Original Art of Jessica Rabbit, 20" x 24.5" painted Original artwork of Jessica Rabbit from "Roger Rabbit," Disney deassession, from the Ralph Kent Collection,
Original Art of Lady & The Tramp ,12" x 25" original art of Dogs and Cats from "Lady & The Tramp" Merchandise, Disney deassession, from the Ralph Kent Collection, Signed by Bill Franks and Ralph, some water damage to one end,
Original Art of Snow White & Seven Dwarfs 12" x 25" original art of "Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs" Merchandise, Disney deassession, from the Ralph Kent Collection, Signed by Bill Franks and Ralph,
Original Art of Winnie The Pooh, 12" x 25" original art of "Winnie The Pooh" Merchandise, Disney deassession, from the Ralph Kent Collection, Signed by Bill Barry and Ralph,
Original Art of Alice In Wonderland, 12" x 25" original Merchandise, Disney deassession, from the
