Propstore Sets ‘Art of Animation’ Auction for July with 100+ Original Pieces

On Wednesday, July 2, Propstore will host its Pop Culture Live Auction, featuring over 430 lots valued at more than £750,000 ($975,000). This event includes a special collection of over 100 original pieces of animation artwork, from golden age Disney classics to ’90s cult favorites and global icons of anime. The selection includes production cels, storyboard and key drawings offering a unique glimpse into the creative process of your favorite films and TV series.

“The animation art collection in Propstore’s Pop Culture Live auction is a vibrant celebration of the magic of animation,” said Russ Singler, Propstore’s Animation Art Specialist. “Featuring over 100 exceptional lots from beloved films, TV shows, and anime, the collection includes original hand-painted cels, pencil drawings, key setups, storyboards, and more. From Disney favorites, The Simpsons, Winnie the Pooh, Akira, and beyond, this auction is a treasure trove for fans of all eras and genres looking for their chance to own a genuine piece of animation history.”

Disney fans will find more than 65 original cels and hand-drawn artworks from some of the studio’s most beloved and historically important films. Highlights include a beautifully rendered cel from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), showcasing the pioneering rotoscoped animation that brought the character’s movements to life, and a rare The Little Mermaid (1989) cel setup capturing Ariel’s first meeting with Prince Eric , signed by voice actress Jodi Benson and estimated at £3,000 – £6,000 ($3,900 – $7,800).

Also featured are a dynamic flying pose of Peter Pan from the much-loved 1953 film, a delicate and expressive cel of the Blue Fairy from Pinocchio (1940) and, from Fantasia (1940) two standout pieces: a model cel of Mickey Mouse in his “Sorcerer’s Apprentice” role (estimated at £2,000 – £4,000 ($2,600 – $5,200) and rare pre-release concept art of the centaurettes from “The Pastoral Symphony,” estimated at £3,000 – £6,000 ($3,750 – $7,500).

TV animation highlights include a standout cel and background setup from The Simpsons (1989 -present), depicting Bart cornered by Santa’s Little Helper. Signed by Nancy Cartwright, the voice of Bart, the lot features a rare hand-painted background on cel, rather than paper — an unusual technique that adds to its value and appeal. Estimated at £1,500 – £3,000 ($1,950 – $3,900).

Japanese animation is also represented in the auction with a dynamic multi-layered setup from Akira (1988), consisting of two production cels and matching pencil drawings of the lead character Tetsuo estimated at £500 – £1,000 ($650 – $1,300). As a cornerstone of the anime genre, Akira is widely regarded as one of the most influential animated films of all time.

International animation classics also feature, including a multi-layered cel and background setup from the original Adventures of Tintin series (1959 – 64), and a production cel from Danger Mouse, signed by British national treasure David Jason and Cosgrove Hall co-founder Brian Cosgrove.

Additional highlights include:

• Tarzan (1999) Framed Tarzan Multi-Layer Cel and Backgroundest. £3,000 – £6,000 ($3,900 – $7,800)
• Asterix Conquers America (1994) Asterix in Amerika Panest. £3000 – £6,000 ($3,900 – $7,800)
• The Lion King(1994) Simba Cel. £2,100 – £4,200($2,730 – $5,460)
• Yellow Submarine (1968) Paul McCartney Original Production Animation Cel.  £1,500 – £3,000($1,950 – $3,900)
• The Land Before Time (1988) Littlefoot and Rooter Key Production Multi-Layer Cel and Background. £1,000 – £2,000($1,300 – $2,600)

• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)Winnie the Pooh and Eeyore Original Production Animation Cel Mash-Up. £700 – £1,400($910 – $1,820)
• Pup on a Picnic (1955) Spike and Tyke Original Camera Layout Pencil Drawing.£600 – £1,200 ($780 – $1,560)
• Mickey’s Service Station (1935)Mickey Mouse and Peg-Leg Pete Original Pan Layout Drawing. £600 – £1,200($780 – $1,560)
• Aladdin (TV Series, 1994-1995) Aladdin and Princess Jasmine Original Production Multi-Layer Animation Cel, Background and Matching Drawings. £400 – £800 ($520 – $1,040)
• Gundam Franchise (1979 – Prestent) Altron Gundam (Shenlong Gundam Upgrade). £300 – £600 ($390 – $780)

In addition to animation art, the auction will include a wide range of music memorabilia, contemporary art, entertainment art, posters and much more.

Bidding is now open online at propstore.com.