First of all, an apology. There hasn't been much happening here at the "Backstage with Destiny" office at MousePlanet in the last several months, because the major contributors to this column have been away on other projects. As a matter of fact, our founding "D-girl" herself was working on a project in another country until just recently.

We're sorry that this column has been neglected. But unfortunately, real work always has priority over extra-curricular activities. Especially in Hollywood. Especially when there are a couple of strikes looming.

We can't promise we'll be here on a regular basis in the near future... we'll see what happens. But here's something coming up that we want to pass along...

Animation art © Disney - Catalog © Howard Lowery Gallery

Last year, I reported on what was to be the last auction hosted by Howard Lowery's Gallery... So imagine my surprise when a brand new auction catalog arrived in the mail from Howard himself!

"Earlier this year, when a gentleman whom I have known nearly thirty years asked that I offer his collection, I could not refuse" Howard says in the catalogue. "That collection is the raison d' etre for this auction."

Animation art © Disney - Catalog © Howard Lowery Gallery

There are some absolutely amazing pieces in this auction. Elements from every stage of the animation process are being offered, such as character sheets, concept sketches and paintings, storyboards, rough animation drawings and cleaned-up animation drawings. And, of course there are some incredible cels - many of which have their original matching backgrounds.

Many of the Disney classics are represented here, including "Snow White," "Pinocchio," "Alice in Wonderland," "Peter Pan," and even "Fantasia." There are even a few original pencil drawings used in the production of "Steamboat Willie."

Animation art © Disney - Catalog © Howard Lowery Gallery

Here is your chance to own - or even just get a glimpse - of the real cels of such moments as the Wicked Queen showing the magic mirror the box she believes contains Snow White's heart... Snow White screaming in fright as she runs through the spooky forest... Jiminy Cricket stuck in an air bubble that has sprung a leak under the sea... Cinderella crying on a bench, moments before she meets her Fairy Godmother... and Mickey Mouse as the Sorcerer's Apprentice, conducting the stars and planets around him.

Animation art © Disney - Catalog © Howard Lowery Gallery

There are several Disney cartoon title cards being offered, which also come with their original cover sheet - that have Walt's signature of approval. These are gorgeous pieces. Two that struck me were the original portraits of Goofy and Pluto that were used at the beginning of many of their cartoons.

Although the majority of the items being offered here are Disney- related, there are a few other items of major importance in animation history. There is a batch of eight original pencil drawings featuring several Warner Bros. Cartoon stars, including Bugs Bunny and Wile E. Coyote. There are two original "Peanuts" cartoon strips, drawn by the late Charles Schulz. There are a few cels of the famous cat & mouse team of Tom and Jerry.

Catalog © Howard Lowery Gallery

One of the earliest animated films ever made was "Gertie the Dinosaur" by Winsor McCay. This film was actually part of a stage show, and shown on a screen that McCay stood beside to interact with the characters. Each frame of this cartoon was hand drawn with India ink on rice paper (cels were not a part of the animation process until much later). These original drawings are extremely rare... and two of them are a part of this auction.

Animation art © Disney - Catalog © Howard Lowery Gallery

Only a small number of people will have the means to bring home any of these masterpieces. But all of the items will be available for viewing in Glendale before the auction - which I heartily recommend for anyone who cares about animation history. And the color catalogue that Howard has assembled for the auction is marvelous, filled with the history of each of the pieces for sale.

Exhibition of these items will take place at the Glendale Hilton Hotel on Thursday May 10th and Friday May 11th, between 10 am and 7 pm each day. The auction will be on Saturday, May 12th, at 1 pm.

The Glendale Hilton is located at 100 W. Glenoaks Boulevard in Glendale, CA. Their phone number is 818 956 5466.

For more information on Howard Lowery and other animation memorabilia he has to offer, see the sidebar.

I'm afraid I'll be in New York that weekend... but I just may phone in a bid on items 83 or 228...

...But if you go, tell 'em Destiny sent you.

Howard Lowery  Animation Auction

Exhibition of items:
Thursday, May 10 and Friday, May 11, 2001
10:00am - 7:00pm

Day of Sale:
Saturday, May 12, 2001
1 pm

Glendale Hilton Hotel
100 W. Glenoaks Boulevard
Glendale, CA 91202
(818) 956 5466

Howard Lowery
P.O. Box 4492
Glendale, CA 91222-0492
(818) 545-9661 and (818) 243-7716
Fax: (818) 243-6031
Email: howard@ howardlowery.com

Visit www. howardlowery.com (still under construction) for Howard's on-going auctions on eBay.

Please feel free to email me at DestinyLaw @go.com. I can't guarantee a response... but I'd still love to hear from you!